Romans back out in front at Churchill

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Quite a fuss was made about Steve Asmussen passing Dale Romans as the all-time leading trainer Friday at Churchill when Asmussen swept the early double with Drop Dead Gorgeous and Hulen.

But wait.

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While Asmussen was blanked the rest of the weekend at Churchill, Romans saddled one winner Friday and two more Sunday, putting him back in the lead (740-739).

“I’m still here,” Romans said.

All three Romans winners were ridden by Joe Talamo, who completed a Sunday triple when he booted home Heavens Whisper in a starter-allowance for trainer Paul Holthus.

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◗ A pair of two-turn turf stakes on Saturday are the highlights of the coming week at Churchill. The Grade 2, $200,000 Wise Dan was expected to have Factor This among a sizable field of older horses, while Street Ready and Field Pass were among those likely for the inaugural running of the $100,000 Audubon. Entries were to be drawn Wednesday.

◗ Martin Garcia missed one day (Friday) and fellow jockey Edgar Morales missed two days (Saturday and Sunday) because of foot injuries suffered in recent morning training mishaps.

◗ Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott enters this week with 4,999 career winners. Mott has three entries Thursday – one at Belmont Park and two at Churchill – and one entry Friday at Belmont.

◗ Enticed by a carryover of $163,012 from Saturday, bettors poured $1,227,201 into the late pick five Sunday. Each winning 50-cent ticket returned $2,690.70.