Churchill Downs Stakes Recap: Limousine Liberal Victorious in Bet On Sunshine

Nov 18, 2017 Darren Rogers,Churchill Downs Communications

Katherine Ball’s homebred Limousine Liberal completed a 2017 sweep of Churchill Downs’ four sprint stakes for older horses when he cruised to a 4 ¼-length win over Churchill Downs Racing Club’s Warrior’s Club in the 10^th running of the $81,545 Bet On Sunshine Overnight Stakes.

The 5-year-old gelded son of Successful Appeal ran seven furlongs over a “fast” track in 1:22.79 under leader rider Corey Lanerie. Trained by Ben Colebrook, Limousine Liberal banked $50,974 and improved his record to 19-7-5-3—$985,661. Earlier during the Spring Meet at Churchill Downs he scored a 13-1 upset in the $500,000 Churchill Downs (Grade II) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, won the $100,000 Aristides (GIII) in June and the $70,893 Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes in July.

“I thought it would be fun to go for the grand slam and sweep the sprint races this year at Churchill,” Colebrook said. “We’ll turn him out for 30-45 days at the owner’s farm and get him ready to do the same thing next year. Hopefully we only go for the trifecta next year and end up in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (at Churchill Downs) to close the year.”

Racing at Churchill Downs continues Sunday with a 10-race card that begins at 1 p.m. (all times Eastern).

BET ON SUNSHINE QUOTES

COREY LANERIE, jockey of LIMOUSINE LIBERAL (winner): “He has great tactical speed. I knew going in he’d be the best horse in the race. Ben and his team did a great job with him and I’m just happy to be a part of it once again.”

BEN COLEBROOK, trainer of LIMOUSINE LIBERAL (winner): “I thought it would be fun to go for the grand slam and sweep the sprint races this year at Churchill. He’s just been so consistent throughout his career. He loves it in Kentucky at both Churchill and Keeneland. The one place he doesn’t love is New York. When we shipped him up there he really didn’t take to it well. We’ve learned our lesson and are looking forward to getting him ready for his 6-year-old campaign. We’ll turn him out for 30-45 days at the owner’s farm and get him ready to do the same thing next year. Hopefully we only go for the trifecta next year and end up in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (GI) to close the year.”