Foreign Relations redeemed himself May 20 with an assertive 4 1/4-length score in the $223,300 Louisville Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs. In his start prior, the gelding dubbed as “quirky” by his trainer, had been disqualified from first to 10th after veering into the path of a rival in an allowance at Keeneland.
Double O Racing’s Foreign Relations did not find his best stride until this year at the age of 5, breaking his maiden in February at Turfway Park. Stepping up to allowance optional claiming company, the son of Karakontie was seventh at Turfway before his experience at Keeneland when racing the Louisville distance of 1 1/2 miles.
“We entered him in an allowance race but actually scratched to go in the Louisville,” trainer Conor Murphy said. “The allowance was going a little shorter than this race (1 3/16 miles). We knew his best distance would be a mile-and-a-half on the grass. He really ran well today and we’re very proud of his effort.”
Stalking a sluggish early pace of :25.58, :52.48, 1:19.33 over a course softened by morning showers and listed as good at post time, jockey Declan Cannon angled Foreign Relations three-wide into the stretch and he stormed to the front. Although favored Limited Liability tried valiantly to give chase, he could not catch Foreign Relations ($16.80), who finished 1 1/2 lengths in front in a final time of 2:32.47.
English Conquerer, part of the early pace, held on for third.
Video: Louisville S. (G3T)
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