Versatile Airoforce Soars in Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes

Airoforce pulled away to a clear victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes on Saturday at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Reed Palmer/Churchill Downs)
By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
John Oxley’s Airoforce splashed over the sloppy main track at Churchill Downs with nary an issue, closing gamely to grind out 1 3/4-length victory in his dirt debut in the $200,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes on Nov. 28.
The 2-year-old Colonel John colt was third in his previous race in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Oct. 30, and one start prior he won the Oct. 4 Dixiana Bourbon Stakes on the grass at Keeneland for trainer Mark Casse off a solid first-out maiden win on the Kentucky Downs turf course on Sept. 5. With regular rider Julien Leparoux in the irons for the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club, he rated kindly in eighth before making up ground around the turn and wheeling out for the stretch drive.
“He broke not as sharp as I was expecting, but after that he relaxed beautifully behind those horses and took the dirt fine,” said Leparoux, who swept the two graded stakes on the card after guiding Carina Mia to victory in the Golden Rod Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. “We love this horse; he always worked good on the dirt. First race on the dirt, you never know how they’re going to like it, but he’s a nice horse.”
ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD
Derby Express jumped out to set the pace as the field of 13 was sent on their way, with 2-1 favorite Mor Spirit tracking closely to his outside. After opening fractions of :23.50 and :47.61 through a half-mile, Mor Spirit drew on even terms with the leader through three-quarters in 1:13 flat. But Airoforce was looming after making up ground on the inside, and when set down for the drive he responded with a determined late run, completing the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.48.
Airoforce paid $9 for a $2 win ticket at odds of 7-2. Runner-up Mor Spirit paid $3.40 to place and $3.40 to show. Closing up the rail to check in third was 16-1 shot Mo Tom while Gun Runner wound up fourth after momentarily engaging Mor Spirit for the lead in early stretch.
“Today was an exciting day; this is the future, this is what we’re looking forward to,” said assistant trainer Norm Casse, who one race prior saddled juvenile Conquest Big E to a two-length mile allowance victory. “Airoforce and Conquest Big E have always been 1-2 in our barn, and they’re providing some anticipation for the spring.
“I thought Julien rode him perfect, I think the blinkers on made a big difference today. When Julien asked him to go, he was always there for him when he needed him. We’re excited for what’s next.”
As to what’s next, Casse added, “I’m sure that on Tuesday when we ship out of here, we’ll ship them down to Palm Meadows [Training Center in Florida] and they’ll get a little bit of a break, and we’ll pick out spots for them in early February.”
Airoforce picked up 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, as the Kentucky Jockey Club is a qualifying race for the 2016 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. With 10 points, Airoforce now ranks fifth on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard.
For an Equibase chart, click here. 
AIROFORCE PULLS CLEAR LATE

Photo by Eclipse Sportswire