Ohio horses and horsemen take center stage at Belterra Park

KELLEHER CAPTURES TURF TEST MYSTERY

It was as close as it gets to a “Best of Ohio Day”. Belterra Park (formerly River Downs) hosted four Ohio-bred stakes with a $75,000 purse in each. The 1/16 mile Horizon Stakes was first up. If you believe in the familiar handicapping axiom, “Don’t bet on a horse to do something it hasn’t done before.,” you wouldn’t be placing a wager on this event – none of the nine starters had ever raced on the turf before. Of course, the race is for 3-year-old Accredited Ohio-breds and grass opportunities are rare.

Beckett Racing Team’s gelding Kelleher, moved over the greensward like a veteran. Under regular rider Yan Aviles, Kelleher settled in nicely mid-pack, split horses at the half-mile and pulled away by 3 lengths in a perfect trip. Kelleher was recording his 4th career victory in only11 starts and now has earnings of $127,820. The striking chestnut is trained by Jennifer Tooley and if his groom looked familiar, it’s Jerry Dixon Jr. who was the groom for Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike.

Running second in the Horizon was Mapleton Thoroughbred Farm-bred May Mayhem, racing for Samuel Klein, Jr. Purchased for $15,000 at the Ohio sale, the son of Mobil out of Mendassity by Touch Gold had won 3 of 10 starts and $82,635. Stretching out for the first time, May Mayem spent the entire race chasing favored Villian on the front end before being passed by Kelleher.

Daryl, Sally and Rachel Duncan joined Dr. Tod Beckett DVM in the Perry Ouzts Winner’s Circle, after making the long trip from Warsaw, Ohio. Kelleher is a son of Corfu out of Hoosier Honey by Southern Image. He was bred by their Duncan Farms where they stand his sire Corfu. "I love the A.P. Indy sire line, and he was a fine individual on the track," said Daryl speaking to Eric Mitchell of the Blood-Horse. "

Corfu, winner of the 2013 Saratoga Special Stakes (G2), is a half brother to graded-placed winner New York Central (by Tapit ) and stakes-placed

winner Runway Ready. The sire's dam is a half sister to multiple grade 1 winner and sire Peace Rules.

HMDC’S FORLOVEOFBONNIE GAME, BUT NO MATCH FOR SILVER KISS

The 2-year-old filly division is fit and ready to run as 11 starters went to post in the 5 ½ furlong Jim Morgan Tah Dah. The race is for Registered Ohio-breds, with 7 of the 11 being by Kentucky sires. Fortheloveofbonnie raced with the HMDC silks and was stepping into deeper waters as she was an Accredited -bred (Ohio-sire) by Cowtown Cat out of Love Spun by Hard Spun.

“Bonnie” looked fantastic in the paddock. Despite the warm weather there were no signs of sweat or nervousness and she alertly checked out her new surroundings while being saddled.” After tightening her girth, trainer Megan Fadlovich agreed. “She’s doing great. Shipped well and is ready to go, but we have our work cut out for us against (trainer) Wolochuck’s filly (Silver Kiss).”

Silver Kissdrew the number 10 post. Back in the day, when quizzed on drawing a similar post in a stake at River Downs, hardboot trainer Bobby Wylie quoted in a thick accent, “Don’t bother me any. When those young fillies come out of there it’s like a covey of doves! I’d rather be outside of the flock and see what they do.” They went right to the front and increased their lead at every point of call, winning by 10.

Fortheloveofbonnie broke straight and was put in a stalking position by David Haldar in fourth. Even the Daily Racing Form chartcaller commented that she “Tried hard,” running in fourth throughout the Tah Dah finishing fifth. Even David Haldar recognized her effort and was seen still patting her with encouragement after unsaddling. As she headed to grab a hose for a quick post-race cooling Megan commented, “No one was catching that winner today, but she gave a good account of herself. She trained well and earned a little break now. We’ll rest her up and come back for a fall campaign.”

PRICEY GENEROUS LOVER WAS ONE SHARP CLAIM

Joe Sharp worked for nine years as a top assistant for two of the top conditioners in the country, Mike Stidham and Mike Maker before setting up on his own and getting his trainer’s license in 2014. Mike Maker may be the most astute conditioner in racing for his ability of spotting opportunities in the claiming ranks. Obviously Sharp picked up plenty of pointers from Maker and his acquisition of Ohio-bred Generous Lover.

Bred by Steven Chumney’s Smokin C, LLC, the daughter of Bolt d’Oro out of Hulu Skirt by Dixie Union was purchased by NET Racing at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in training for $175,000. Unraced at 2, she made only two starts as 3-year-old. She broke her maiden at the same distance and surface as the Vivacious, liking the 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Fair Grounds. Two races later her connections gambled by dropping her into a $50,000 sprint at Churchill. She won easily but went home to Sharp’s shedrow for new owner Carl R. Moore Management LLC.

In her start just previous to the Vivacious, Generous Lover easily handled a $50,000 Allowance at 1 1/16 on the Churchill main track. From his base in Kentucky, Sharp kept an eye on the Ohio stakes calendar and the Vivacious fit her like a glove. Thistledown’s leading rider Luis Rivera was tabbed to ride, and he opted to tuck in behind speedball Distinctive Flower until the turn for home. Once straightened he drew clear of the field with last year’s winner, I Recall holding off turf-loving Buckeye Belle for the second spot.

Surely, DMHC partner Steven Chumney is pleased to know that Joe Sharp is keeping an eye on the Ohio program. Good news for those Ohio Breeders Awards.

GALLOPING OUT: With no live racing at Thistledown, the afternoon brought together the top riders in the state. The ever-present dean of racing in Ohio and 5th leading jockey in history, Perry Ouzts went about his daily routine. Stopping by to visit with leading Belterra Park trainer Larry Smith prior to saddling for the 3rd race, I congratulated him on his last milestone – he recently became the first 70-year-old to ride a winner. “Yeah, that record snuck up on me,” he laughed. He headed to check his saddle and I jokingly

said, “I’ll leave you alone to get your riding instructions.” Perry and Larry glanced at me like I had three eyes. Larry shook his head, “I’ve been riding him for over 25 years, and I’ve never once had to tell him how to ride - sure ain’t gonna start now!” Ouzts proceeded to go out and win the race by 8 ¾ lengths for victory 7,452.

The incomparable Ed Meyer had a challenge brewing with two 3-horse-entries going to post – sure doesn’t make an announcer’s job any easier. “We’ve had them come out with identical silks and caps over the years. Now that’s a challenge.” The silks man made his job a little less difficult with multi-colored caps on Friday.

Veteran rider Vernon Bush, who ruled the New England ovals for years had bad news to report. His brother George, a well-known trainer, suffered a severe leg injury and his doctor said he could return to training in six weeks. “I give him two,” quipped Vernon. Old-timers will recall their father, Vernon, who was a top rider throughout the Midwest and northeast “back in the day.”

…ahh another day at the races. I’d rather have a bad day at the track, than a good day anywhere else. (quote attributed to thousands who love the game)