Sonneteer Goes the Distance in Champions Day Marathon

Almost two years to the day since he entered the gate as a maiden in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), Calumet Farm's Sonneteer returned to Churchill Downs April 30 to run away with the $115,000 Champions Day Marathon Overnight Stakes Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

The 1 1/2-mile feature was part of the Louisville track's new Champions Day event, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Triple Crown won by Sir Barton.

Jockey Corey Lanerie and Sonneteer settled into a wide second the first time by the Twin Spires. Pinson set fractions of :24.48 and :48.78 before Royal Artillery moved up the rail to lead through 1:14.69 and 1:39.66. The distance proved to Sonneteer's liking as the 5-year-old son of Midnight Lute  cruised to a 7 1/4-length win in the three path, completing the race in track record time of 2:30.42.

"We've always wanted to get this horse to go long," said Julie Clark, assistant to trainer Keith Desormeaux. "When this race came about this year it was perfect for him. You don't find many 1 1/2 mile races around the country."

Royal Artillery, Biblical, Lookin for Eight, Pinson, and Krewe Chief completed the order of finish.

The victory also placed Lanerie one ride away from his 1,000th Churchill Downs win, which he accomplished one race later aboard Calumet's Smart Shot. Other jockeys to reach the milestone include Pat Day (2,482), Calvin Borel (1,223), and Robby Albarado (1,180).

"I'm going home a winner today," Lanerie said. "I'm blessed to ride for some great owners and trainers. This win means a lot to me and my career."

Tuesday's festivities leading up to the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve included autograph signings from Triple Crown connections, a Derby week handicapping seminar, collectible poster signings to support the TAA, and a photo opportunity with Triple Crown memorabilia from the Kentucky Derby Museum's vault.

Hall of Famers Bob Baffert, Mike Smith, and WinStar Farm's president and CEO of racing operations Elliott Walden represented the connections of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify . Jockeys Steve Cauthen and Jean Cruguet, the respective riders of Triple Crown winners Affirmed and Seattle Slew, also joined the autograph signings.

Sonneteer owns a 3-5-4 record from 25 starts and earnings of $583,776. After finishing 16th in the 2017 Derby, he broke his maiden two starts later on the Del Mar turf and picked up his first stakes victory last year in Oaklawn Park's Fifth Season Stakes. 

Bred by Calumet in Kentucky, Sonneteer is out of the unraced mare Ours. The daughter of Half Ours  was purchased for $100,000 by Calumet from the Eaton Sales consignment to the 2013 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Ours produced one other winner from four starters, has a yearling full sister to Sonneteer, and was bred back to Midnight Lute. She is out of Ballerina Handicap (G1) winner Classy Mirage and is a half sister to Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes (G1) winner Dublin.