Old Friends draws 'em from near and far

FRANKLIN, Ky. – With horses coming in from New York, California, Chicago, Canada, and other destinations, the field for the $150,000 Old Friends Stakes at Kentucky Downs on Thursday reflects the equine makeup of the retirement organization founded 13 years ago for which the race is named.

Founder Michael Blowen’s tireless work with retired racehorses has been lauded throughout the Thoroughbred industry, and Old Friends expanded last year onto the spacious acreage of Kentucky Downs.

More than half of the field of 12 for the second running of the Old Friends stands a solid chance at victory. Western Reserve and Bigger Picture, recent arrivals from New York, figure among the favorites in the turf race for older horses at a mile and 70 yards, along with Perfectly Majestic and Power Ped from California and Royal Son from Canada.

The Old Friends goes as the ninth of 10 races on a Thursday program that starts at 1:25 p.m. Central. The race is for horses who have not won a stakes in 2016, and half the purse is restricted to horses registered to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. The winner gets a guaranteed spot at Old Friends upon his retirement.

This is the second of five cards at the Kentucky Downs meet. The remaining dates are Saturday, Sunday, and Sept. 15.

Old Friends, a member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, has about 160 retired racehorses spread among its three facilities, including Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm and War Emblem at the flagship Georgetown, Ky., farm. Nearly a dozen Old Friends horses live on the grounds at Kentucky Downs.

KEY CONTENDERS

Western Reserve, by Indian Charlie

Last 3 Beyers: 91-92-95

◗ The winner of a Belmont Park turf allowance two starts back, this Juddmonte Farms homebred will have Jose Lezcano back aboard from post 1 as a recent arrival from Saratoga for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

Perfectly Majestic, by Majesticperfection

Last 3 Beyers: 95-96-79

◗ A powerful last-out winner of a turf allowance at Del Mar for trainer Bob Hess Jr., this 4-year-old gelding will have Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux riding from post 2.

Bigger Picture, by Badge of Silver

Last 3 Beyers: 97-95-95

◗ This 5-year-old gelding has won three of four starts since being claimed last fall by Mike Maker, with the only defeat coming in the Grade 1 United Nations in July.

Royal Son, by Tiznow

Last 3 Beyers: 96-92-68

◗ He’ll be ridden by Florent Geroux, easily the leading jockey here last year, when he goes for his second victory in three starts since being transferred to trainer Mark Casse.

Power Ped, by Powerscourt

Last 3 Beyers: 74-87-91

◗ This late-running 6-year-old will have Flavien Prat riding for Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale after having kept excellent company out West.