Being a maiden mattered not to Aspenite in the Sept. 10 $500,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes.
Gunned to the lead under jockey Cristian Torres, Aspenite threw down testing early splits of :22.59, :45.29, and 1:10.64 before scampering to a three-length advantage at the head of the stretch. As the field gave chase, Aspenite charged up the hill to the wire and rolled home a comfortable 3 1/4-length winner.
Giving Torres his third win of the day at Kentucky Downs, the pair clocked the mile on firm turf course in 1:38.17.
Hawthorne shipper Tough Little Nut secured runner-up honors over a late rallying Molzil.
Trained by Steve Asmussen, Aspenite was wheeling into Sunday’s race off a quick 11-day turnaround, having finished a narrow second here in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race Aug. 31. He was previously fourth in his debut at Saratoga Race Course.
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“He was nominated (to the stakes) because of the possibility (of running back),” Asmussen said. “He’s a horse with a nice level of ability. Not exactly surprised he got a little lost (when he had a clear lead) the first time here. He sees everything. It’s just kind of how he is. But he benefited from the experience and cashed in on a very good day.”
Bred by Glen Hill Farm, the 2-year-old son of Constitution was acquired by owner Winchell Thoroughbreds for $375,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Austere Stays Perfect in Juvenile Fillies Stakes
Austere improved upon her Aug. 13 Ellis Park debut score with an impressive off-the-pace triumph in the $500,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies Stakes.
Austere wins the Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Kentucky Downs
Racing in third along the inside, jockey Tyler Gaffalione kept Austere on a snug hold as leaders Bella Haze and Cynane carved out a sizzling early pace up front. Angled four deep into the stretch run, Austere exploded by her rivals done the lane and streaked under the wire three lengths in front.
Bella Haze held on doggedly for second while Late Lizzie edged Kodiac Wintergreen for third.
Austere ran the mile in a time nearly three seconds faster than the 2-year-old boys ran a race earlier, stopping the clock in 1:35.48.
“Her win was not a surprise at all. She’d been working great,” said trainer Brendan Walsh. “We think she has lots of talent. It was great to go there and win. It looks like she’s going to a nice filly going forward.”
The 2-year-old daughter of Mendelssohn is owned in partnership by Bradley Thoroughbreds, Gary Finder, Tucci Stables, Cambron Equine, and Belmar Racing and Breeding.
Video: Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile S. (BT)
replay date=”9/10/2023″ country=”USA” trackid=”KD” racenumber=”10″]
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