Race Recaps Chief Cicatriz Makes the Grade in G3 Aristides June 2, 2018 Race Recaps Chief Cicatriz Makes the Grade in G3 Aristides June 2, 2018 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article LOUISVILLE, KY – Roy Gene Evans’ homebred Chief Cicatriz broke through for his first career graded stakes score on Saturday, dominating his six foes in the stretch to win the Grade 3, $100,000 Aristides Stakes at Churchill Downs. Breaking well from post 3 under James Graham as the tepid 2.3-1 favorite, Chief Cicatriz stalked Smart Spree‘s early pace through opening fractions of :21.30 and :44.02. Shifting out wide through the far turn, Chief Cicatriz grabbed the lead in midstretch and drew off with authority. The Shawn Davis trainee crossed 6 1/4 lengths ahead of a late-moving Mr. Crow in a final time of 1:08.44 for the 6-furlong main track sprint. “We were perfectly drawn on the outside,” Graham said. “We let the speed go in front of him and he settled and got in a nice rhythm. When we turned for home, he just poured it on. He was very impressive tonight.” The rest of the field was spread out nearly as much, with Wilbo taking third 2 3/4 lengths behind Mr. Crow and 3 1/4 lengths ahead of Awesome Saturday. Fifth went to Shadow Tracer, with Heartwood and a spent Smart Spree completing the order of finish. Credit: Coady Photography Chief Cicatriz’s win was his fifth career stakes score following victories in smaller events at Turf Paradise and Sunland Park. With a record of 11-8-0-0, the 5-year-old gelded son of Munnings improved his lifetime bankroll to $286,881. “This horse got into trouble when he ran on Derby Day (finishing fifth in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Stakes),” Davis said. “He had some excuses in some of his other races, too. Tonight, we knew we would see what he’s all about. He was coming into the race in great shape and we saw the real Chief Cicatriz.” Chief Cicatriz returned $6.60 to win, $4 to place, and $3 to show. Mr. Crow brought back $3.80 to place and $2.80 to show, while Wilbo paid $2.80 to show.
BLINKERS OFF 631: 2023 Pennsylvania Derby and Cotillion Previews and Rapid-Fire Picks The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1,000,000… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 499: Remington Park Sunday Pick 5 Preview | Oklahoma Derby, Oaks Picks The Magic Mike Show guys preview the Late Pick 5… Read More
DWBS 159: NFL Week 3 PICKS and CFB Week 4 PICKS Aaron and Papa Dude are ready to roll with college… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 498: What We Learned | Woodbine, Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs, More! The Magic Mike Show guys review the weekend’s biggest stakes… Read More
BLINKERS OFF 630: What’s Wrong With Horse Racing? Roundtable Discussion & Fan Forum The Racing Dudes team hosted a roundtable discussion & fan… Read More
2023 Pennsylvania Derby Preview & FREE Picks | Saudi Crown Could Give Cox 1st Win Aaron previews the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1) from Parx, then… Read More
BLINKERS OFF 631: 2023 Pennsylvania Derby and Cotillion Previews and Rapid-Fire Picks The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1,000,000… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 499: Remington Park Sunday Pick 5 Preview | Oklahoma Derby, Oaks Picks The Magic Mike Show guys preview the Late Pick 5… Read More
2023 John Hettinger Stakes Preview | New Ginya Seeks 2nd Straight In Belmont At The Big A Friday Feature Robert S. Evans’ New York homebred New Ginya will attempt… Read More
Rocket Picks 🚀: Belmont at the Big A and Churchill Downs for September 21, 2023 Let’s get another big Thursday of racing kicked off today!… Read More