Mr. Sidney proves best in Firecracker

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Dark, rainy days in Kentucky aren't necessarily gloomy ones for Lee Einsidler. Not at all. "I love them," said Einsidler.

Einsidler is the owner of Mr. Sidney, who enjoyed a virtual replay of his victory in the Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland in April, storming to a decisive score Saturday in the 19th running of the at Churchill Downs. Ridden again by Kent Desormeaux, Mr. Sidney rallied from off the pace to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths over Inca King in a field of seven older turf horses.

Just like the Grade 1 Maker's Mark, the Grade 2 Firecracker was run on a dank, dreary afternoon and over a yielding course. More importantly, the one-mile Firecracker established Mr. Sidney, a late-blooming 5-year-old horse by Storm Cat, "as Breeders' Cup quality," said Einsidler, a New York businessman.

Mr. Sidney, based in New York with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, returned $6.40 as the favorite after finishing in 1:37.28. He earned $101,896, lifting his bankroll to $407,275.

Inca King, always prominent under Shaun Bridgmohan, held second by 3 3/4 lengths over Seaspeak. Thorn Song, the defending champion and 123-pound highweight, faded to fourth after setting the pace.

Mr. Sidney now has won 5 of 10 career starts. Since the Maker's Mark, he had raced once, finishing 11th in the May 25 Metropolitan Mile on the Belmont main track.

Einsidler said he and Mott had discussed two graded turf stakes at the upcoming Saratoga meet, the Fourstardave and Bernard Baruch, as possible next starts for Mr. Sidney. The Nov. 7 BC Mile at Santa Anita would be the ultimate goal, he added.

After Thorn Song, who actually re-rallied to get fourth after dropping back as far as fifth in the stretch run, the Firecracker order was completed by Tizdejavu, Wise River, and Passager. Artic Cry was an early scratch.