Ghost currency looks like it will build back in Elkhorn

Susan and Jim Hill, winners of tough pitch bets Virtual money aims to take another big step in his already strong return to the track when he takes on competitors April 23 in the $350,000 Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland.

6 year old son of Gold Coins recovered from 13 months layoff on April 2 at Gulfstream Park where he wired across the field in Kitten’s Joy Appleton Stakes (G3T) and won half-length after rolling over a mile in 1:33.31. Phantom Currency was sidelined with a soft tissue injury on February 27, 2021, Mac Diarmida Stakes (G2T) at Gulfstream and recuperated at Hills’ Margaux Ranch near Midway, Ky.

While he stretches from a mile to a mile and a half in Elkhorn, trainer Brian Lynch says that goes well with Phantom Currency.

“Ultimately that’s what he wanted to do,” Lynch said. “Appleton is really a preparation for this race. It turned out to be a tough field, but he’s worked really well and we know he’s the right fit.”

In Elkhorn, Phantom Currency is likely to have company up front with Wolfe Racing and Hugh Robertson’s 1st place winner Two Emmys a 6-year-old son of English Channel participants in this race with a string performance during the Classic Muniz Memorial Ceremony presented by Horse Racing Nation (G2T) at Fair Grounds & Slots. Coached by McLean Robertson, the Two Emmys have won or placed in five classified holdings as of July 17, 2021, including winning the Mr. D. Stakes (formerly Arlington Million, G1T) at Arlington International Racecourse.

“You want the leader to generate speed and the Phantom Currency to be a little bit faster, so I think we’ll get there,” Lynch said. At Appleton, Phantom Currency ran four openings in: 46.43 and six extensions in 1:09.40. In the Muniz Memorial, the Two Emmys opened four opening stretches in: 49.83 and six stretches in 1:13.70.

Phantom Currency will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been on Appleton, and will break from post 4. The two Emmys will be ridden by James Graham, who has been in the iron for the previous five gelding warm-ups, and will be broken from lesson 3.

Elkhorn school other classified bet winners are tier 1 winners Channel Builder an 8-year-old son of the English Channel, and the student won 3 Another mystery a 6-year-old horse of Temple City .

Channel Maker is raced by Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, RA Hill Stable, and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and is coached by Bill Mott. He is making his 2022 debut, last racing Thursday on November 6 at the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar. Despite being the top tier 1 winner, who made more than $3.4 million, he struggled to find last year’s round-robin winner, taking the best in runner-up. team at the Neom Turf Cup on the Saudi Cup (G1) last February. The gelding class will be done by Luis Saez from lesson 5.

Another mystery, owned by David Block’s Team Block and leaving the 9th spot, made his 2022 debut a win in the John B. Connally Turf Cup Stakes (G3T) at Sam Houston Racing Park and followed by the next-to-last finish at the Muniz Memorial. He is coached by Chris Block and will be ridden by Flavien Prat.