The first of five graded stakes on Saturday's excellent card at Churchill Downs was the Jefferson Cup (G2). Florentino, the lone runner in the field to be designated an "E" type runner in the Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances was able to establish the lead. After setting relatively slow fractions the three-year-old had enough left to hold off the late challenge of the Brisnet Prime Power pick, El Crespo.
As the clear, six point, Prime Power Pick, Warrior's Reward looked a solid choice in the Northern Dancer S. (G3). However, with the scratching of two runners that were expected to help ensure a decent fractions, the colt was forced to lay closer than desired to the moderate early pace and was unable to pass the front running Successul Dan.
Miss Isella did not disappoint as the Prime Power pick in the Fleur De Lis H. (G2). Reproducing the move that defeated One Caroline in the Louisville Breeders' Cup S. (G2), Calvin Borel sent the daughter of Silver Charm through a narrow gap on the rail and ran on to win by three-quarters of a length. Swift Temper, the Prime Power second choice, was the runner-up, completing a nice $31.80 exacta.
In the Stephen Foster H. (G1) the favored and Prime Power choice possibly earned the longest trouble line ever (as can be seen in the free Instant Chart) with his luckless third place finish. As expected Finallymadeit (the lone "E" rated runner) set decent fractions chased by the "EP" types Researcher and Alphabet Magic. While Einstein and, to a degree Asiatic Boy, were experiencing traffic trouble in the stretch, Macho Again was allowed clear sailing on the outside and ran on to a one length victory.
In the Regret S. (G3) the Prime Power pick, Prytania put in a lack luster effort defeating just one runner, while the race was won by her stable companion, Keertana. On reflection, a look at the Brisnet trainer/jockey stats in the Ultimate Past Performances may have led one to consider the upset winner. Indeed, and while Prytania's pilot Julien Leparoux had not ridden for trainer Tom Proctor in the last sixty days, Robby Albarado who partnered Keertana, had accepted four mounts for the barn and had won two.
Tim Holland 6-15-09.
