Prather 'fit' and back in business
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Apprentice Kris Prather, riding for the first time in nearly three months, said she feels "great, fit, and good to go" after finishing fifth aboard Frills and Thrills in the first race Wednesday at Churchill Downs.
The mount was the first for Prather, 22, since she injured both knees in a March 17 starting-gate accident at Turfway Park. Prather attracted considerable news media coverage earlier this year when leading all North American jockeys in wins. She won 110 races and held the top spot for several weeks even after being sidelined.
The mount was the only one of the day for Prather, who was named to ride in seven races Thursday and two Friday.
"This is where we start," said Prather. "We've got seven [Thursday], so hopefully we can build on that."
Prather's agent, Steve Elzey, said his client would apply to the Kentucky Racing Commission for an extension that would allow her to retain her five-pound apprentice allowance until December. Such applications are routinely accepted in the case of racing-related injuries.
The Kennel Club club
The Lake Geneva Kennel Club in southern Wisconsin seems an unlikely vantage point for anyone with a major rooting interest in the Friday feature at Churchill.
But when Jimie Son starts as a top contender in the ninth of 10 Friday races, about a dozen or so of the colt's owners will gather at Lake Geneva to watch via simulcast.
Jimie Son, an earner of nearly $160,000 in just 12 lifetime starts for trainer Greg Foley, could be the favorite in the $57,200 feature, an allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs. The 4-year-old colt is owned by Lloyd Madison Farms, a group of about eight couples with close ties to Madison, Wis., said Rob Lloyd, a managing partner based in Louisville.
"We've always had high expectations," said Lloyd, who will watch from Lake Geneva. "The partnership has had about a dozen horses over the years. We only paid $10,500 for Jimie Son as a yearling, so he's been our best value."
After being away since Aug. 19, Jimie Son finished last of nine in his return, an exceptionally tough allowance on the Kentucky Derby undercard. Foley said he expects the colt to improve noticeably off that comeback effort.
Deep Gold and U.S. Jets are other logical contenders in the race. Twilight first post is 3 p.m. Eastern.
* Kalu and Strategic Partner are expected to head a short field of 3-year-old turf horses in the Saturday feature, the $250,000 Jefferson Cup. Other probables include Harrisand, Indygo Shiner, and Tarzan Cry.