Race Recaps Hot Springs Makes the Grade in G3 Commonwealth Turf November 10, 2018 Race Recaps Hot Springs Makes the Grade in G3 Commonwealth Turf November 10, 2018 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article LOUISVILLE, KY – A week removed from the Breeders’ Cup festivities, Woodford Racing’s Hot Springs brought excitement back to the Twin Spires after he shot to the lead in mid-stretch and strode off to victory in Saturday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs. Breaking from the outside post 7 as the co-9/5 favorite under Ricardo Santana, Jr., Hot Springs took back and saved ground heading into the first turn while Marzo posted opening fractions of :24.81, :49.64, and 1:14.72. Still under a hold as the field rounded the far turn, Hot Springs began progressing well along the rail until a hole opened up, at which point he tipped out sharply to commence a three-wide bid for the lead. Gaining control inside the final furlong, Hot Springs drew off well and hit the wire with a 1 1/2-length advantage in a final time of 1:46.97 for the 8 1/2-furlong event over the yielding turf course. “He handled the surface well today,” said Santana, Jr. “We got a lot of rain the other day, so I knew the track would be pretty heavy. I watched some replays and wanted to make sure I got him to settle early in the race. Once the hole opened up and I got him outside, he responded very well. He’s a very nice horse and very talented. I think he’s going to keep getting better into next year.” Zero Gravity ran alongside Hot Springs at the rear early but found traffic trouble at the top of the stretch, having to steady at one point, yet he still rallied strongly enough late to take second over a weakening Marzo. Reride appeared poised to make a winning move as the field turned for home, but he flattened in the stretch and fell back to fourth. March to the Arch, the other co-9/5 favorite, faded late after chasing the early pace and settled for fifth. Sniper Kitten and Year of the Kitten completed the order of finish. Credit: Coady Photography Hot Springs’ victory was his fourth in as many tries at Churchill Downs, including his first career stakes victory last out in the $100,000 Jefferson Cup Stakes. The 3-year-old son of Uncle Mo now carries a record of 7-4-1-0 with $248,480 in earnings. “He’s 4-for-4 over the surface here, but today was the most impressive one,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “The way he was finishing up was very impressive. Hopefully, we’ll be able to come back to Churchill next year. There are some very nice races down the road for this colt.” Hot Springs returned $5.80 to win, $3.80 to place, and $3.20 to show. Zero Gravity brought back $12.40 to place and $7.20 to show, while Marzo paid $6 to show.
Kentucky Derby 2024 Pre-Draw: What Post Each Horse Needs To Win | Blinkers Off 663 The Racing Dudes take a look at the contenders of… Read More
Kentucky Derby First Look and NHL/NBA Playoff Update | Dudes Who Bet Sports 189 Aaron and Papa Dude discuss the probable for the 150th… Read More
2024 Kentucky Derby Horse Profiles – How Each Horse Can Win | Blinkers Off 662 The Racing Dudes take a look at the contenders of… Read More
Keeneland Pick 5 | The Magic Mike Show 542 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
NBA & NHL Playoff Previews & Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 188 Aaron and Papa Dude discuss OJ Simpson, UConn’s national championship… Read More
Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks 2024 Betting Bible | Get Expert Picks NOW! Get the 2024 Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Betting Bible, featuring… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2024 Post Draw: Fierceness Post 17, 5/2 Favorite The Todd Pletcher-trained Fierceness was assigned post 17 and made… Read More
Kentucky Oaks 2024 Post Draw: Tarifa Post 8, 7/2 Favorite The Brad Cox-trained Tarifa was assigned post 8 and made… Read More
Kentucky Derby Contenders: Get To Know The Field The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) will take… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2024 Post Draw LIVE Coverage The Racing Dudes team is LIVE covering the post draw… Read More