The Tabulator Dials Up First Place in G3 Iroquois

LOUISVILLE, KY – Carolyn Wilson’s The Tabulator dialed up a big-time effort to win Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Iroquois at Churchill Downs.

The Iroquois is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, with The Tabulator receiving an automatic berth in the $2 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar on Saturday, November 4.

Tracking the early pace set by Smart Remark through splits of :23.12 and :47.73, The Tabulator took command in the far turn under jockey Jose Valdivia, Jr. The son of Dialed In drew clear in the stretch and, despite drifting out down the lane, was able to hold off a late run from Hollywood Star to win the 1 1/16-mile main track race by 3/4 of a length in 1:45.50.

“It’s always exciting to get a win here at Churchill Downs,” said Valdivia, Jr. “He’s still young, as we know, but now he’s proven around two turns. We’ve always thought highly of him and he’s always acted like a nice horse from the beginning.”

It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to Ten City, who was rallying from near the rear of the field but was left with too much work to do. Ebben was an additional 5 1/4 lengths back, with Big Gemmy, Flameaway, Pont Du Gard, Smart Remark, True Equis, and Mo Diddley completing the order of finish.

The win kept The Tabulator’s record perfect in three starts for trainer Larry Rivelli after breaking his maiden at Arlington on July 2, then winning the Prairie Gold Juvenile at Prairie Meadows on July 28.

“I’ve never had a horse start off like this and I’ve been in the game for more than 15 years,” Wilson said. “Larry is a wonderful trainer. He and his entire team do such a great job with our horses and it’s so exciting to have a horse like this. It’s really easy when I just write a check and this happens.”

The Iroquois kicked off the Road to the 2018 Kentucky Derby prep race season. The Tabulator earned 10 points for the win, with Hollywood Star receiving 4 for second, Ten City 2 for third, and Ebben 1 for fourth.

“With this being the kickoff for the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ and a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’, it’s very exciting to have a horse of this quality,” said Valdivia, Jr.

The Tabulator returned $10.40 to win, $4.80 to place, and $3.40 to show. Hollywood Star brought back $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show, while Ten City paid $3.20 to show.