Multi-Millionaire Arklow Returns in Louisville Stakes
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Photo: Grace Clark/Kentucky Downs
Arklow wins the 2020 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes at Kentucky Downs
Grade 1-winning turf specialist Arklow returns from a nearly six-month layoff against 13 foes in the $150,000 Louisville Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs May 15.
The Louisville Stakes, at 1 1/2 miles on turf, is the nightcap on Churchill's 11-race program, scheduled for post time of 5:58 p.m. ET. A simulcast of the Preakness Stakes (G1) from Pimlico follows at 6:47 p.m.
Trained by Eclipse Award winner Brad Cox for owners Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger, and the Estate of Peter Coneway, Arklow has been off since winning last fall's $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2T) at Del Mar.
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“We gave him some time off at the end of last year and he started getting back into race shape this winter at Fair Grounds,” Cox said. “He’s been training well since we got him back to Churchill in early April and thought the Louisville would be a good starting point for his campaign this year.”
The now 7-year-old son of Arch has recorded eight victories through 31 starts with earnings topping more than $2.6 million. He won the American Turf Stakes Presented by Ram Trucks (G2T) locally in 2017.
Jockey Florent Geroux, who has been aboard Arklow for 16 previous starts, has the call aboard from the 7-5 morning-line favorite from post No. 10.
The temporary rail will be down for turf racing this weekend at Churchill Downs. Dry conditions are forecast Saturday.
With a victory Saturday, trainer Kenny McPeek would tie Bill Mott for the most victories in the Louisville Stakes with six. McPeek entered Lucky Seven Stable's stakes winner Crafty Daddy along with Walking L Thoroughbreds' With Anticipation Stakes (G3T) winner Fighting Seabee .
Mott hopes to extend his lead with Trinity Farm's Sycamore Stakes (G3T) winner Red Knight . The 7-year-old gelded son of Pure Prize ran sixth in the April 17 Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland in his only start of 2021.
Spooky Channel , Fantasioso , Ajourneytofreedom , and Admiralty Pier are other leading contenders.
Spooky Channel, claimed April 30 for $80,000 by owner NBS Stable and trainer Jason Barkley, returns to a marathon trip over which he won the John B. Connally Stakes (G3T) at Sam Houston Race Park during the winter, outlasting runner-up Ajourneytofreedom. Spooky Channel finished second when claimed April 30 from an upper-level optional claiming allowance event.
Fantasioso, fourth in the Elkhorn in his U.S. debut, was a multiple group stakes winner in his native Argentina, and Admiralty Pier is a grade 3 winner with the speed to offset a wide draw in post 14. The latter was third in the Northern Dancer Stakes Presented by Pattison (G1T) at Woodbine last year in his lone attempt racing as far as 1 1/2 miles.
Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 15, 2021, Race 11Entries: Louisville S. (G3T)
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Artemus Eagle (KY)
Gabriel Saez
118
Waylon Cundiff
50/1
2
2Imperador (ARG)
Joseph Talamo
123
Paulo H. Lobo
30/1
3
3Spooky Channel (KY)
Francisco Arrieta
120
Jason Barkley
10/1
4
4Strong Tide (IN)
Marcelino Pedroza
118
Michael E. Lauer
15/1
5
5Fantasioso (ARG)
Julien R. Leparoux
118
Ignacio Correas, IV
10/1
6
6Jais's Solitude (FL)
Declan Cannon
118
Eddie Kenneally
20/1
7
7Red Knight (NY)
James Graham
118
William I. Mott
6/1
8
8Fighting Seabee (KY)
Chris Landeros
118
Kenneth G. McPeek
20/1
9
9Monarchs Glen (GB)
Adam Beschizza
118
Michael J. Maker
20/1
10
10Arklow (KY)
Florent Geroux
123
Brad H. Cox
7/5
11
11Ajourneytofreedom (KY)
Tyler Gaffalione
118
Michael J. Maker
12/1
12
12Bakers Bay (KY)
Corey J. Lanerie
118
Claude R. McGaughey III
15/1
13
13Crafty Daddy (KY)
Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
118
Kenneth G. McPeek
8/1
14
14Admiralty Pier (KY)
Drayden Van Dyke
118
Barbara J. Minshall
10/1
