Covfefe Connections Turn Focus to Breeders' Cup

LNJ Foxwoods' Covfefe is on target for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park following her eight-length victory in the $125,000 Dogwood Stakes Sept. 21 at Churchill Downs. 

Trainer Brad Cox said the Longines Test Stakes (G1) winner has earned the Breeders' Cup trip.

"At the beginning of the year, the Test was always the goal," Cox said. "After we accomplished that goal, we set our sights on the Breeders' Cup and how to get there. We figured the Dogwood was the best place to get her ready since it is in our own backyard and we didn't have to ship anywhere. I think she's ready for the Breeders' Cup after that."

Covfefe smashed the Dogwood Stakes record in a final time of 1:20.51—:02.51 faster than LNJ Foxwoods' 2015 winner Super Majesty, who stopped the teletimer in 1:23.02. The swift seven-furlong time was only .07 seconds off champion Groupie Doll's 2012 track record of 1:20.44. 

"We could have easily gotten the track record but why push her when she was doing it so easily," said jockey Shaun Bridgmohan. "As a jockey when you look over a horse mid-race who's going :22 and :44, and she's looking over to her competition like they're nothing, you know the horse is special."

Covfefe exited the Dogwood in good shape, according to Cox, and will return to training in a few days.

Street Band Returns to Churchill 

Ray Francis, Cindy and Larry Jones, Medallion Racing, and MyRaceHorse Stable's Cotillion Stakes (G1) winner Street Band returned to Churchill Downs at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 22 following her 2 1/4-length score at Parx Racing Saturday.

Trained by Larry Jones, Street Band rallied from nearly 10 lengths back of early pace-setting Jaywalk and passed heavy favorite Guarana in late stretch to not only record the biggest victory in her young career but also gave her jockey Sophie Doyle her first grade 1 score.

"It is an absolute thrill for all of the owners involved with (Street Band)," said Doyle, who will shift her tack to Keeneland next month. "I couldn't be more proud of this filly. I'm so thankful for Larry Jones to have the faith in us to get to the top. Now, it's on to the Breeders' Cup."

By winning the Cotillion, Street Band earned a berth to the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). The five-time winner is based in Jones' Barn 28 at Churchill Downs.

Also returning to Churchill Sunday morning from Parx was Allied Racing Stable's Pennsylvania Derby (G1) runner-up Mr. Money, who could not hold off the late charge of Math Wizard in the 1 1/8-mile race. Assistant trainer Tom Morgan reported all was well with the Goldencents  colt and his next race plans remain in flux.