Barrister Tom Upsets More Than Ready Juvenile

FRANKLIN, KY – Bantry Farms’ Barrister Tom pulled off a 44/1 upset in Monday’s $500,000 More Than Ready Juvenile Stakes at Kentucky Downs.

Barrister Tom was bumped as he broke from post 3 under Tyler Baze but soon settled into a close stalking position behind Gypsy King and Dreamer’s Disease. He slipped inside along the rail and inched ahead, then held off Pivotal Mission, Indy Tourist, and the 3/2 favorite Shawdyshawdyshawdy to win by a 1/2-length.

“Tyler rode him perfectly,” said winning trainer Michael Ann Ewing. “Saved ground, laying third. I am thrilled. If you adjust his last race for pace, his figure came back with a good number. He has trained awesomely since that race and I was hopeful.”

Gypsy King, Really Slow, Citadel, and Dreamer’s Disease completed the order of finish. Snake Doctor went wrong in the turn and fell before being vanned off. Outadore was scratched.

Barrister Tom’s win was his second straight since trying turf and improved his overall record to 3-2-0-0. The Artie Schiller gelding has now earned $317,055.

“I had a beautiful trip,” Baze said. “Michael pretty much just left it up to me. She said, ‘You do what you think is right.’ I had a perfect trip, got to the rail. What a nice little horse. He’s got a lot of heart. It was nice for them to let me ride the horse. I don’t know what he paid; I know he was about 50/1. I’m just excited. It’s my first win at Kentucky Downs. I look forward to some more next week.”

Barrister Tom returned $90 to win, $28.20 to place, and $11 to show. Pivotal Mission brought back $5 to place and $3.60 to show, while Indy Tourist paid $3.80 to show.