Mr. Money Makes it Two in a Row with Matt Winn Victory
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coady Photography
Mr. Money storms home to win the Matt Winn Stakes by 6 1/2 lengths at Churchill Downs
Allied Racing Stable's Mr. Money lived up to his name once more June 15, scoring his second consecutive stakes win by a decisive 6 1/2 lengths in the $150,000 Matt Winn Stakes Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Making his first start for trainer Bret Calhoun since his upset of the May 4 Pat Day Mile Stakes presented by LG and E and KU (G3) over the Louisville oval, Mr. Money broke well in the 1 1/16-mile test for 3-year-olds and settled in second right away behind grade 1 winner Knicks Go.
Knicks Go broke on top under Tyler Gaffalione and sped to the lead, setting the pace on the rail by a length through the first quarter-mile in :24.19. Guided by Luis Saez, Mr. Money tracked the pace along the backstretch in the two-path as the half-mile went in :47.80. Proverb followed a close third on the rail ahead of Armistice Day in fourth.
Entering the far turn Saez stepped on the gas and Mr. Money began to drive forward to challenge for the lead. Signalman made his move three-wide on the outside to get up for third as they reached in the six-furlong mark in 1:11.35.
Inching ahead, Mr. Money was on even terms with Knicks Go as they left the turn and kicked away. Signalman tried to find enough speed to chase down the leader, overtaking a fading Knicks Go, but did not have enough left in reserve. It was Mr. Money all alone at the wire to complete the race in 1:42.28.
"That was about as easy as you can do it," said Saez. "This horse has been so impressive all along, and Bret and his team's hard work is paying off. I'm so thankful to Bret (Calhoun) and Chester (Thomas) for letting me ride this horse. The 1 1/16-mile distance was a little test tonight. He certainly proved he can do it."
Signalman got up to takes second two lengths over Proverb in third. Armistice Day finished fourth followed by Kicks Go, Limonite, and Nolo Contesto to complete the order of finish.
"The way this horse was training after the Pat Day Mile, we had an idea he'd run a big race," Calhoun said. "Gabe rode him perfectly tonight and he's proving his talent, that's for sure."
Runner-up Signalman was making his first start since an off-the-board finish in the May 15 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.
"I thought he ran a credible effort today," said trainer Kenny McPeek. "That was a nice horse who beat us, but he ran a solid effort."
Bred in Kentucky by Spruce Lane Farm, Mr. Money is from the first crop out Goldencents and is the second foal out of the Tiznow mare Plenty O'Toole. Consigned to the 2017 Keeneland September Sale by Woods Edge Farm, he was purchased for $130,000 by J. Stevens Bloodstock, agent.
Victory in the Matt Winn improved Mr. Money's record to three wins and two seconds from eight starts with $491,220 in earnings.