Churchill Downs will open its brief, 14-day September meet on Thursday, and if it’s a quiet opening, perhaps that’s because Churchill would prefer it that way.

Earlier this year, on June 2, Churchill announced that the remaining live racing days in its spring-summer meet would be held at Ellis Park, in reaction to a spate of horse deaths that had generated an intense amount of media coverage at the famous track, the home of the Kentucky Derby. Although some local horsemen complained about the move, the abrupt send-off quieted the noise.

DEL MAR, Calif. – Closing Remarks has amassed a collection of Grade 2 wins in turf stakes this year that has left the 5-year-old mare with a bevy of race options at different distances in Southern California in the next three months.

Soon, owner and breeder John Harris and trainer Carla Gaines must choose a plan. Closing Remarks won her most recent start in Saturday’s Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares at Del Mar, a win that could lead to a start in the Grade 2 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita.

DEL MAR, Calif. – Prince of Monaco on Sunday became Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s record 17th career winner in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, joining a crowded list that began with Silver Charm in 1996.

The record will be safe for decades. No other active trainer has won the seven-furlong race for 2-year-olds more than twice.

Prince of Monaco earned another unique distinction, returning only $2.10, the lowest win price in the 76-year history of the race. The previous mark of $2.20 was set by the Baffert-trained Officer in 2001.

All-sources wagering at the Del Mar summer meeting that ended Sunday declined 10.9 percent compared to the corresponding meeting in 2022, a figure affected by the cancellation of a Sunday program last month.

The meeting was scheduled for 31 days, but 30 days of racing were held. The Aug. 20 program was lost because of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Hilary.

Mark Casse wasn’t at Kentucky Downs on Saturday, but of course he was watching closely as his longshot Get Smokin loaded into the gate, broke on top, and quickly took a lead in the $1.7 million Kentucky Turf Cup. Get Smokin was cruising in the clear, going easily.

“Watching the race, I said to myself, ‘Hmm, this is interesting,’ ” Casse said Monday morning.