By: Vance Hanson on May 21, 2016
Bullards Alley earned his first career turf win on a big stage Saturday, registering a mild upset of the $100,000 Louisville H. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Under Cisco Torres, Bullards Alley tracked in third as Wireless Future set a pokey pace of :26.04, :52.51, 1:19.04 and 1:45.60 over the good turf. Dynamic Sky, the 17-10 favorite, poked his head in front rounding the last of three turns, with Bullards Alley in close pursuit.
Bullards Alley passed the favourite in upper stretch and extended his lead to 2 1/4 lengths at the wire. The final time for 1 1/2 miles was 2:36.01.
“It was a beautiful trip. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip,” Torres said. “He’s the kind of horse that stays and he won so easy. He was laying off of (Roman Approval) with his ears pricked and he was just loving it.”
Owned by Wayne Spalding and FaronMcCubbins, the Tim Glyshaw trainee paid $13.60. Johns Kitten rallied for second, a half-length in front of Roman Approval. Dynamic Sky finished fifth in the field of six.
A four-year-old by Flower Alley, Bullards Alley last three wins had come in races moved from turf to dirt due to inclement weather. The biggest of these was the $75,000 Woodchopper at Fair Grounds in December. The Louisville was the gelding’s first turf triumph in six attempts. His record now stands at 19-5-2-4, $256,191.
LOUISVILLE H. (G3), CD, $100,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/2MT, 5-21.
3 – BULLARDS ALLEY, g, 4, Flower Alley–Flower Forest, by Kris S..($11,000 2014 FTKJU2).O-Spalding, Wayne and McCubbins, Faron, B-Eugene Melnyk (KY), T-Tim Glyshaw, J-Francisco C. Torres, $61,380.
4 – Johns Kitten, g, 4, Kitten’s Joy–Lido Lady, by Lido Palace (CHI). O-Ramsey, Kenneth L and Sarah K, B-Magalen O Bryant (VA), $19,800.
2 – Roman Approval, h, 5, Roman Ruler–Highest Approval, by High Fly. ($13,000 ’11 KEENOV; $35,000 2013 OBSAPR). O-Three Diamonds Farm, B-Glencrest Farm LLC & Fox Straus (KY), $9,900.
Also Ran:Tiz Town, Dynamic Sky, Wireless Future.
Winning Time: 2:36 (gd)
Margins: 2 1/4, HF, 3/4.
Odds: 5.90, 4.20, 1.90.