Runaway Ghost On Go for Keeneland's Commonwealth

Joe Peacock's homebred Runaway Ghost was scheduled to come to Kentucky last spring for a shot at the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) after winning the Sunland Derby (G3) only to be sidelined by a fractured right cannon bone.

Now, better late than never, the 4-year-old son of Ghostzapper  has traveled east where he will take a shot in the $250,000 Commonwealth Stakes (G3) April 6, going seven furlongs on Keeneland's main track.

With trainer Todd Fincher on hand March 29, Runaway Ghost worked five furlongs in 1:02 1/5 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:15 3/5.

"He was looking around some, but the rider really liked it and he finished strong," said Fincher, who recorded his 1,000th victory last month with a score by Hustle Up in the Mine That Bird Derby at Sunland Park.

A winner of six of nine starts, Runaway Ghost returned to the races Feb. 2 with a 2 1/2-length victory in the six-furlong Fort Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park.

"Then three weeks later, I wheeled him back going two turns," Fincher said of the 4-year-old, who is 2-for-2 in his comeback after claiming the 1 1/16-mile Curribot Handicap. "I am not sure what his best distance is. He is pretty versatile."

Should Runaway Ghost perform well in the Commonwealth, plans are to remain in Kentucky for the May 4 Churchill Downs Stakes (G1), also at seven furlongs.

"If not, back home for the Sunland Park Handicap," Fincher said.

Fincher has one other horse at Keeneland, a 3-year-old filly named Into Mystic.

Slated for an allowance start during the meet, Into Mystic broke her maiden here last fall under the care of Todd Pletcher and has not raced since Oct. 28, when she finished sixth in the Rags to Riches Stakes at Churchill Downs.