Two more graded stakes have entered the history books this afternoon at Churchill Downs. First up was the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (gr. II), where the promising Hungry Island won in impressive fashion over Tapitsfly and La Reine Lionne. The victory was the first on the card for jockey John Velazqeuz, who will ride Went the Day Well in the Derby later this afternoon.
The other graded stakes was the Humana Distaff (gr. I), a prestigious seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares. Groupie Doll, under jockey Rajiv Maragh, absolutely dominated the race, racing away to contend for the early lead before drawing away powerfully in the homestretch to win by five or six lengths. The victory was her second grade I of the year, but what was truly impressive was her final time of 1:20.44 -- breaking the track record of 1:20.50 set by Alannan eleven years ago today. The time was also about 3/5ths of a second faster than Shackleford ran earlier on the card in the Churchill Downs Stakes.
So once again, a speed horse ran very well, while the closers never really got into contention. Such talented horses as Switch and Sassy Image never uncoiled their late runs.
Speed bias? Perhaps. Super fast track? Definitely.
-Keelerman
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