Two Emmys Returns to Winning Form in Muniz Memorial
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Photo: Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
Two Emmys streaks home in the Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds
Two Emmys led his rivals on a merry chase and returned to winning ways for the first time since his 2021 Mr. D Stakes (G1T) score with a 2 1/2-length victory March 26 in the $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation (G2T) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
The 6-year-old son of English Channel went one better for owners Wolfe Racing and Hugh Robertson than a runner-up finish in the 1 1/8-mile turf race, in which he crossed the wire 1 1/2 lengths behind none other than two-time Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) winner Colonel Liam .
"He broke sharp today... I put him on the lead, let him roll along in hand, and he was happy to do it," said winning jockey James Graham, who nursed Two Emmys along through fractions of :25.94, :49.83, and 1:13.70 before setting him down for the drive for home through a 1:37.71 mile. The final time was 1:49.83 on a turf course rated firm; favored Santin was second and Cavalry Charge was three-quarters of a length back in third.
Two Emmys ($13.20) was let go at odds of 5-1 after running 10th in the Feb. 19 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3T). That was an uncharacteristic performance from the chestnut gelding, who has finished in the money in seven of his past eight outings.
"I don't know why he ran a bad one last time but everyone's due a mulligan every once in a while," Robertson said. "I knew it was over when he got into the turn because he'll run all day if they let him gallop along."
Two Emmys improved his record to 5-8-1 from 20 starts, with earnings of $765,708. He was bred in Kentucky by Tottenwood Thoroughbreds out of the Buddha mare Miss Emmy, and sold to his current connections for $4,500 at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was consigned by Vinery Sales. He is the last reported foal out of Miss Emmy and her lone stakes winner from six starters.
"These English Channels do not run early, you've got to let them mature," Robertson said. "And he got a little better every year and I think he'll keep on going for a while."
Robertson said the April 23 Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland could be next for Two Emmys, "Providing he comes off this alright."
"I'll probably send him to my son in Hot Springs and then send him on to Keeneland," Robertson said.