Record run for Kelly's Landing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - An allowance horse just a month ago, Kelly's Landing now holds the distinction of having run the fastest six furlongs in Churchill Downs history.

Saturday, he won the Grade 3, $162,450 at Churchill Downs by 1 3/4 lengths over Battle Won, racing six furlongs in a track-record time of 1:07.59. His time eclipsed the record of champion Kona Gold, who had run six furlongs in 1:07.77 in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Despite having raced only eight times previously - and never in a stakes race - Kelly's Landing was never rattled against the likes of graded-stakes-winning sprinters Battle Won and Gators N Bears in the Aristides. He stalked the pace in fourth, shot through along the inside under jockey Gary Stevens, and drew away in the lane. He paid $25.80 as the longest shot in the field of six.

Kelly's Landing's track-record performance came over a glib surface partially created by hot and humid conditions, which track officials have long said leads to quick times over the main track. Quick early fractions of 21.01 and 43.83 - set by third-place Jet Prospector - also set the race up for a swift time.

Even over a track that played faster than normal, Kelly's Landing's performance was noteworthy. Battle Won, winner of the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Handicap on Derby Day, appeared to turn in one of his better efforts, but was outfinished. Jet Prospector and Gators N Bears, who finished fourth, also appeared to fire, but were similarly unable to keep up.

Level Playingfield and Bwana Charlie completed the order of finish.

Kelly's Landing, a 4-year-old gelded son of Patton, won for the fifth time in nine starts in taking the Aristides Breeders' Cup. The $100,719 winner's share increased his career earnings to $220,560 for owner John Lally of Summerplace Farm.

Winning trainer Eddie Kenneally pushed his meet record to 8 for 26 with the victory. He began training Kelly's Landing after the gelding had won his first two races for trainer Tom Bergin.