Skelly notches second consecutive Count Fleet triumph

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Skelly is becoming an Oaklawn Park legend.

He won the Grade 3, $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap for the second year in a row on Saturday to improve his local record to 7 for 9. And through those races alone, he’s earned $994,663.

Skelly has not been beaten in Hot Springs since January 2023, when he was second in an entry-level allowance. From there, he has won seven consecutive races, all at Oaklawn, with the exception of one start at Lone Star Park.

Skelly came into the Count Fleet off a runner-up finish in the Group 3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint on Feb. 24 in Saudi Arabia. It took him just 1:08.82 to cover six furlongs Saturday - and land back in the winner’s circle at Oaklawn.

“I cannot tell you how impressed I am with him,” winning trainer Steve Asmussen said. “We’re grateful to [Red Lane Thoroughbreds] for giving us the chance to take him to the Riyadh Dirt Sprint. For him to return and run like he did…”

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Asmussen said Skelly had “spoiled us to death” by regularly winning the six-furlong races in his streak in 1:09 and change.

“Today, he goes in 1:08 and 4,” Asmussen said. “What a racehorse!”

Skelly ($3.40) broke a tad slow and quickly moved up to take command of the Count Fleet through an opening quarter in 21.52 seconds. He increased his advantage on his rivals through a half-mile in 43.88. Skelly continued on by himself in the stretch run, finishing three lengths clear of millionaire closer Tejano Twist. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third to Happy Is a Choice.

Ricardo Santana Jr. was aboard Skelly, his regular mount since January 2023.

“They’re in a great rhythm and they go fast together,” Asmussen said.

Asmussen was winning his sixth Count Fleet, with his other winners Jackie’s Warrior in 2022; Mitole (2019); Lemon Drop Dream (2014); and Justin Phillip (2013).

Santana has now won seven editions of the Count Fleet, his others being Mitole, Whitmore in 2017-2018, Lemon Drop Dream and Justin Phillip.

Skelly on Saturday improved his career record to nine wins from 14 starts for earnings of $1.4 million. He was winning his fifth stakes race Saturday, with four of those at Oaklawn.

Skelly is a 5-year-old gelding by Practical Joke. His dam, the unraced Bwana Charlie mare Adande, is a half-sister to Grade 3 winners Giant Game and Isotherm. Skelly was bred in Kentucky by H. Allen Poindexter.

And on Saturday, Skelly cemented his place in Oaklawn history.

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