The second race on the Churchill card, a six-furlong maiden special weight, went to Big Ring, who showed speed from the start under Julien Leparoux and held on for a half-length victory over favored Vasten.
What was so unusual about this race was that the opening quarter mile was run in :20.78 -- that is not a typo. This was the result of a blazing speed duel between Rock N Glamour and the eventual winner, who opened up five lengths on the rest of the field early on. Rock N Glamour gave way to finish off-the-board, but Big Ring managed to stay on strongly through a half-mile in :44.39 and five furlongs in :56.90 to stop the clock for six furlongs in 1:10.04.
Clearly, even though the track is muddy, it is not stopping horses from turning in blazing fractions!
As for jockey Julien Leparoux, he has now won the first two races on the card. This certainly bodes well for Union Rags later this afternoon in the Derby.
***
The third race on the card is a 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race on the main track for three-year-olds. A field of ten has been entered, led by Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) runner-up Golden Ticket and a pair of Louisiana Derby (gr. II) also-rans, Z Dager and Windsurfer. Julien Leparoux will be aboard Golden Ticket. Calvin Borel will ride 10-1 shot Fleurdefortyfour, his first of four mounts on the card.
-Keelerman
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