Dear Readers:

You’re correct if you think we’re referencing the Club horses shipping to new tracks to race, but they’re not the only ones enduring the hardship; the Times just weathered the long-distance move of its offices from Kentucky back to New Orleans!  As a result, we are overdue for updates on the race performances of both Efforting and Excitations.

In April, Club filly Efforting shipped to Evangeline Downs (Opelousas, Louisiana) for her first allowance race in follow up to her dominating maiden win by 10 1/2 lengths at Fair Grounds on March 27th. This time she faced a more experienced field, shorter distance at 5 1/2 furlongs and shorter stretch run than she’s used to at Fair Grounds. The filly had a tough trip in post position #2, got shuffled back early and finished fourth, but it was a great learning experience for her.  Watch the replay here: 4/21/17 Race 7.

Excitations was coming off his victory in the April allowance race at Keeneland when he shipped to Churchill Downs for the Pat Day Mile on Kentucky Derby Day (May 6th), which was also his third birthday (dob 5/6/14)! The racing gods were not very kind with regard to weather, for although Derby Day saw less rain than Oaks Day on Friday, the Pat Day Mile was contested over a muddy track.

Our Club colt finished 11th, and after having him examined by renowned veterinary orthopedic surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, trainer Al Stall, Jr., concluded that Excitations’ poor finish was most likely due to the off-track. Regardless, it was exciting to see him race as part of national Derby Day coverage on NBC. To watch the replay, go to Race 8 on 5/6/17 here.

Efforting returned to race at Evangeline Downs on Friday, June 2nd in the Acadiana Stakes, a $50,000 stakes for Louisiana bred three-year-old fillies. Jockey Colby Hernandez had been working her over the course and was aboard for this 7 furlong race.

Our girl, the favorite, was “in front and in control,” in the stretch, beating the field by 3 1/2 lengths, and this victory gives the Club its first stakes win! Watch the replay of Race 6 on 6/2/17 here.

Excitations is entered in the Grade 3, $100,000 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs next Saturday, June 17, 2017 (Race 5, 8:03 p.m. Eastern). This two-turn, 1 1/16 race will be a true test for the colt at this distance (he also drew the rail), but it will be short field of six total runners.

Regular rider Miguel Mena will be aboard, and the colt’s toughest competition will be McCracken, who finished 8th in the Kentucky Derby, and Aquamarine, who placed second in the Chick Lang Stakes on Preakness Day but has never raced past 7 furlongs. Best of luck to Excitations!

Thanks for reading!
Editor
Antebellum Turf Times