Dear Readers:

The Racing Club’s two horses have dominated the race track in recent weeks, with a triumph for each over the Fair Grounds and Keeneland courses.

Club filly Efforting returned to the Fair Grounds track on March 27th in a MSW for Louisiana-bred fillies going 6 furlongs, where she trounced her opponents winning by a margin of 10 1/2 lengths. Regular jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. settled her into third on the backstretch where she kept pace with fast opening fractions of 21.77 and 45.91, then began her assault taking her three-wide on the turn. The filly rallied to the lead inside the quarter pole and ultimately left her rivals in the dust. Watch the race replay here [March 27, Race 8, Efforting is #8].

The filly’s race record is now 3–1–2–0, and she returns tonight for night racing at Evangeline Downs in the 7th race scheduled for 8:22 p.m. Central time. Jockey Colby Hernandez will be aboard for this 5 1/2 furlong allowance race, and we wish her the best of luck.

Excitations already had one win under his belt, but had finished third in his last outing at Fair Grounds in allowance company going two turns at 1 mile 70 yards. Trainer Al Stall, Jr. shipped the colt first to Churchill Downs in early April to train, then entered him in a 7 furlong allowance at Keeneland on April 12th.

Times staff were in town in Lexington for this race and had the pleasure of seeing the colt outclass the field–beating them by 4 1/2 lengths—while also having the special opportunity to witness a win over the Keeneland track during this very competitive spring meet (and on the most perfect spring day in Kentucky). Watch the replay here [April 12, Race 6, Excitations is #5].

Earlier that morning, Times staff and other Racing Club members were invited for a tour of Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, where the sire of both Club horses, Into Mischief, stands at stud. Unfortunately since it’s breeding season, at the time of the tour all stallions were turned out in their paddocks and the Club was not able to ‘meet’ Into Mischief himself, but benefited from a tour of the lovely grounds–former home of historic champions including Seattle Slew, Nausau, and Raise a Native.

The colt (current record: 4–2–1–1) will next step up in stakes company as he is entered to run in the Pat Day Mile—a one-turn mile over the Churchill Downs track—on the Derby Day under card on May 6th. NBC Sports Network will have early coverage of the day starting Noon until 2:30 p.m. Eastern, when NBC will pick up the broadcast for the rest of the card (so assume the Pat Day Mile will be accessible to all on NBC).

We couldn’t be more thrilled for both of the Club horses! Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Editor
Antebellum Turf Times