Finite Proves Superior in Chilukki

LOUISVILLE, KY – Winchell Thoroughbreds homebred Finite proved to be the superior runner that her 6/5 favoritism seemed to indicate in Saturday’s $100,000 Chilukki Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.

Finite and Ricardo Santana Jr. exited post 2 and settled well off the pace that Risky Mandate and Sanenus set through opening fractions of :22.75, :45.59, and 1:10.81.

Tipped out four-wide in the far turn, Finite inched up to challenge Sanenus at the top of the stretch, and though that rival dug in as best she could, Finite’s class and talent propelled her forward at the 1/8 pole.

The Steve Asmussen trainee crossed 2 1/2 lengths the best while completing the one-turn fast dirt mile event in 1:35.53.

“We had a great trip rating behind the pace,” Santana Jr. said. “I think at this stage of her career, she is just getting better. She’s only 3 years old and today was her first time against older horses. We went one turn today, but she’s maturing and going to be really nice at longer distances, too.”

Sanenus held second by 1 1/4 lengths over Whoa Nellie, who rallied from the rear with Gold Standard and edged that foe by a 1/2-length for third.

Grand Cry Classe, Risky Mandate, New Roo, Crazy Sexy Munny, and Unique Factor completed the order of finish.

Finite’s win was her third at the graded stakes level, including February’s Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds and last November’s Golden Rod Stakes (G2) over the local dirt. The 3-year-old Munnings filly improved her record to 11-6-3-0 with $757,869 earned for co-owners Winchell Thoroughbreds, Thomas Reiman, William Dickson, and Debbie Easter.

“She’s a real quality filly,” Asmussen said. “We had a really nice win last year at Churchill in the Golden Rod and going one turn in the Rags to Riches (which she also won).”

Finite returned $4.40 to win, $3.40 to place, and $2.40 to show. Sanenus brought back $7 to place and $3.80 to show, while Whoa Nellie paid $4.20 to show.