The phenomenon of second plant masculinity Gunman earned the winner the fifth bet of the day that the champion Echo Zulu shortened by 5 1/4 lengths in $274,000 Dogwood Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs September 24th.
L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Echo Zulu have not been ranked since a fourth-place attempt in the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 6. With the scratches of steady friend Steve Asmussen Evil Halo and Chasing Fireflies only four other fillings line up to challenge Echo Zulu.
Winning in past absences, this time proved no different as the Echo Zulu took charge of leaving the gate and leading every step of the way for rider Ricardo Santana Jr. was caught by Santana at the start of the lane and kicked off the field with a quarter of a mile left.
The champion strode up the rope in a time of 1:22.43 for seven stretches on the fast main track.
Second choice Tarabi rim Colorful naughty for second.
Favorite 1-2, Echo Zulu paid $3.02 for a $2 ticket.
“It was a hugely exciting and emotional win for us,” Asmussen said. “How fitting for Gun Runner’s lone champion to end his big day with a win in Dogwood?”
Echo Zulu, the daughter of the mare winning the graded stake Letgomyecho (Menifee ), was undefeated against the Kentucky Oaks. The 3-year-old was then scratched just before the start of June 11 Acorn Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Follow the advice of a follow-up veterinarian. Then she received a clean health bill, and her relationships slowly brought her back to the races.
“We are delighted to have her back. She’s so incredibly talented that we couldn’t believe how lucky we were to be paired with,” Asmussen said.
Video: Dogwood S. (G3)
In another action under the lights at Churchill Saturday night, Sixtythreecaliber , Gunite and Home Brew scored in supporting the bet.
Gunite wins Harrods Creek Stakes at Churchill Downs
Asmussen trained by Asmussen Gunite ($3.26) is the flashiest of the trio, take the $275,000 Harrods Creek Stakes over speed Conagher . Winner of last year’s Runhappy Hopeful Stakes (G1) and Amsterdam Stakes (G2) this summer at Racecourse Saratoga, his classroom is on display in Harrods Creek. Coming in second for the first half-mile of the seven-mile race, he collided with Conagher in the middle of the track and dragged three more distances while remaining on the left leading down the lane. He is hourly 1:21.95 for the distance.
Strava third, less than second place Conagher 2 3/4 of the distance.
Another Saturday bet winner for Gun Runner, this 3-year-old raked in $166,710 bringing his career winnings to $814,809 for Winchell Thoroughbreds owner/breeder.
Video: Harrods Creek S. (BT)
Link Dogwood and Harrods Creek is a pair of stake routes for 3-year-olds, with MyRaceHorse and Spendthrift Farm’s Sixtythreecaliber ($24.92) won $160,000 Seneca Overnight Shares for the pie and Gary and Mary West’s Home Brew ($13.40) narrowly won the $275,000 Bourbon Trail Stakes.
Sixtythreecaliber, ridden by Edgar Morales for trainer Tom Amoss, runs down the pacesetter Falconet by the time the clock stopped at 1:44.22 for 1/16 mile. Bred by Lee Pokoik in Kentucky by out Consists of mare Classofsixtythree Sixtythreecaliber is one of Gun Runner’s aforementioned bet winners.
Video: Seneca Overnight S. (BT)
Racing with Flashlights for Coach Brad Cox, Home Brew is a Determined Winner Creative Minister and War Campaign in a picture of three horses.
The victorious son, save the ground of Street Sense got up to speed early, moved up the long haul and finished 3/16 miles under Santana in 1:56.39.
Video: Bourbon Trail S. (BT)
