Bowies Hero Wins $1 Million Shadwell Turf Mile to Earn Breeders’ Cup Berth on Record-Setting Fall Stars Saturday

By Amy Owens —-

Keeneland smashes Fall Meet all-sources and Pick Five wagering marks

LEXINGTON, KY (Oct. 5, 2019) – Agave Racing Stable, ERJ Racing and Madaket Stables’ Bowies Hero emerged from a crowded pack in the stretch to win the 34th running of the $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) for 3-year-olds and up by three-quarters of a length before a chamber of commerce Saturday afternoon crowd of 26,567. (Click here for a replay of the race.)

Keeneland smashed its Fall Meet all-sources and Pick Five wagering records, both set on Fall Stars Saturday in 2018. All-sources handle totaled $18,392,756, eclipsing the previous record of $17,122,465. Wagering on the $300,000-guaranteed All-Stakes Pick Five totaled $794,689 to best the former record of $619,106.

The blockbuster day featured five graded stakes worth $2.35 million, including the Shadwell Turf Mile and three other Breeders’ Cup Challenge races in which winners earned automatic berths in the 36th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita on Nov. 1-2.

The Shadwell Turf Mile win earned Bowies Hero a fees-paid berth into the $2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) to be run Nov. 2 at Santa Anita.

Also earning Breeders’ Cup berths Saturday were Godolphin’s Maxfield, who took the $500,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1); Robert LaPenta, Michael Dubb, Head of Plains Partners and Bethlehem Stables’ Uni (GB), who set a course record in the $400,000 First Lady Presented by UK HealthCare (G1); and Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable and Peter Deutsch’s Spiced Perfection, winner of the $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (G2).

Earlier on the 11-race program, McShane Racing’s Stubbins rallied from far off the pace to win the $200,000 Woodford (G2) Presented by Keeneland Select in course-record time.

In the Shadwell Turf Mile, jockey Flavien Prat had Bowies Hero racing in midpack early on, swung seven wide at the head of the stretch for clear running and collared Diamond Oops in deep stretch to claim his second Grade 1 victory in his career.

The victory is the first in a Keeneland stakes for Prat and trainer Phil D’Amato.

Bowies Hero, a Keeneland sales graduate, covered the mile on a firm turf course in 1:34.20 and added $600,000 to his bankroll that now totals $1,478,970 with a record of 21-8-1-3.

A winner of four graded stakes, Bowies Hero is a Kentucky-bred son of Artie Schiller out of the Sky Mesa mare Remembered.

Bowies Hero returned $18.40, $8.80 and $6.60. Diamond Oops, ridden by Julien Leparoux, returned $13 and $8.80 in finishing a nose in front of 2017 Shadwell winner Suedois (FR), who paid $11.80 to show under Jamie Spencer.

It was another nose back to First Premio in fourth followed by March to the Arch, 2018 winner Next Shares and Divisidero. Van Beethoven and Bandua in a dead-heat for eighth with favored Valid Point, Admission Office, Vintager
(GB), Robin of Navan (FR) and Real Story completing the field.

Quotes from the $1 Million Shadwell Turf Mile (G1)

Josh Flores (assistant to Phil D’Amato, winning trainer of Bowies Hero)
On the decision to run here rather than at Santa Anita in today’s City of Hope Mile (G2)
“About a million dollars (purse of Shadwell Turf Mile), compared to $200,000. We’ve always had the confidence in this horse. He’s had some tough trips. Today, (jockey) Flavien (Prat) was able to put him in the right spot and he was able to fly home.”

On earning a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at D’Amato’s home track of Santa Anita.

“It will be nice to walk over – probably (as) one of the favorites – right out of your own barn And to win one at Keeneland is always special.”

Flavien Prat (winning rider)
“I thought I had a good trip. My horse broke well – better than the other day (when fifth at Del Mar in the Del Mar Mile-G2 on Aug. 18). I was able to put myself in the race, was able to tip him out around the turn and get him ready to make his run. And then he got the job done. (The battle between several horses right at the wire) was great. When you win, it’s great. When you get beat, it’s frustrating. He always gives you everything he has.”

Julien Leparoux (rider of runner-up Diamond Oops)
“We were close to the pace, broke very sharp. Settled nice on the backside. He ran big today. It was a close finish for second and he ran a big race for sure.”

Jamie Spencer (rider of third-place finisher Suedois [FR])
“The draw (12 hole) was a big handicap to my horse, probably the difference between winning and losing. He’s run good. He’s an 8-year-old. The trainer (David O’Meara) has done well with him.”

Javier Castellano (rider of 10th-place finisher and beaten favorite Valid Point)
“I tried to find room and get a spot in the race. Turning for home, I tried looking for a seam. It was a tough race, a lot of traffic, a lot of horses – a lot of good horses. I tried to get a jump but it was a lot of traffic. It was a big step up today for a young horse. I think he ran huge in the Secretariat (G1). We tried to step up a little bit and maybe get lucky but it was a tough race. I’m not disappointed, I think he’s a good horse. Sometimes you have to test the waters a little bit.”

Maxfield Dominates Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity

Maxfield, last in the field of 10 in the early going, exploded past favored Gouverneur Morris at the top of the stretch and cruised to a 5½-length victory in the 106th running of the $500,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) for 2-year-olds.

Maxfield not only gave trainer Brendan Walsh his first Keeneland stakes victory but also the first Grade 1 victory of his career. For jockey Jose Ortiz, it was his first win in the race and second stakes victory of Fall Stars Weekend.
With the victory, Maxfield earned a berth in the $2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) to be run at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita.

American Butterfly led the field through fractions of :24.01 and :47.78 as Maxfield bided his time near the back of the pack. On the far turn, Gouverneur Morris blew past American Butterfly but Maxfield was behind him winding up with his run.

At the head of the lane, Maxfield surged past and quickly erased any doubt about the outcome.

The victory was worth $300,000 and increased Maxfield’s earnings to $354,412 with a record of 2-2-0-0.

Maxfield is a Kentucky-bred son of Street Sense out of the Bernardini mare Velvety.

Maxfield returned $14.80, $5.60 and $3.80. Gouverneur Morris, ridden by Javier Castellano, returned $3.40 and $2.80 with Enforceable finishing a half-length back in third under Florent Geroux and paying $6.20 to show.

It was another five lengths back to Ajaaweed with By Your Side, American Butterfly, January Won, King Theo, Life On the Road and Tap It to Win following in order.

Quotes from the $500,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1)

Brendan Walsh (winning trainer of Maxfield)
“When he started rolling I was looking to see if he was going to get through – is there anything going to stop us? – because I knew he was going to run right to the wire.
“He’s a very special horse. I’ve been around a lot of good horses, and good horses breathe different air. I think this horse is right there. I thought he might take a run or two to break his maiden, but we knew he was a super-talented horse. He overcame a lot the first day we ran him (a maiden special win Sept. 14 at Churchill Downs), and he came out of that race doing so good. To come back in three weeks for a horse that’s only run once is a big ask, but he answers every question.
“Obviously, we’ll see how he comes out of this (before a decision on the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile-G1), but if you don’t bring him, who do you bring?
“I always knew (winning my first Grade 1 race) would be special but to win it here for these people (Godolphin) it’s extra special. Fantastic. Indescribable. “

Jose Ortiz (winning rider)
“He’s a very nice horse and he’s very smart. He broke slow first time, took dirt and came running at Churchill. Today, he did the same thing. Broke a bit slow, relaxed and when I asked him to go, he was there for me the whole time.”

Javier Castellano (rider of runner-up and beaten favorite Gouverneur Morris)
“It was a good trip. Unfortunately, we were kind of wide in the first turn, but that’s hard to deal with breaking from the outside post. He broke well enough to get into a good spot. We were just second best today. He earned it and fought for second place, but the winner was the best horse in the race.”

Florent Geroux (rider of third-place finisher Enforceable)
“I was going to save some ground on the first turn on the backside and I decided to tip him out by the three-eighths pole, but the winner (Maxfield) came by me pretty fast. My horse ran a great race to hang on for third. I was close for second place. He ran good. It was a good race for him.”

Uni (GB) Shatters Course Record in First Lady Presented by UK HealthCare Victory

Uni unleashed a furious run through the stretch to score a 2½-length victory over Juliet Foxtrot (GB) to win the 22nd running of the $400,000 First Lady Presented by UK HealthCare (G1) in course-record time of 1:32.87 for the mile on firm turf.

Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Joel Rosario, Uni obliterated the stakes record of 1:34.08 set by Never Retreat in 2011 and the course record of 1:33.54 established by Perfect Soul (IRE) in 2004.

It is the third win in the race for Brown, who saddled Dayatthespa in 2014 and A Raving Beauty (GER) last year. It is the first victory in the race for Rosario.

Ms Bad Behavior rocketed out of the gate and led the field of 13 through fractions of :22.71, :45.40 and 1:09.47 as Rosario bided his time near the back of the pack.

Turning for home, Rosario moved Uni out into the seven path for clear sailing, collared Juliet Foxtrot at the eighth pole and drew off.

With the victory, Uni earned a berth in the $2 million Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) to be run at 1 1/4 miles on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita.

The victory was worth $240,000 and increased Uni’s earnings to $1,247,880 with a record of 17-9-3-3. Since coming to the U.S. from Europe in 2017, she has won seven stakes, four of them graded, and won six of seven starts at the mile distance.

Uni is a 5-year-old daughter of More Than Ready out of the Dansili (GB) mare Unaided (GB).

Uni returned $8, $4.40 and $3. Juliet Foxtrot, with Florent Geroux aboard, returned $820 and $5 and finished 1¼ lengths in front of Vasilika, who paid $3.60 to show under Flavien Prat.

It was another 1½ lengths back to favored Rushing Fall, who was followed in order by Hanalei Moon, Awesometank (GB), Just Wonderful, Mitchell Road, Storm the Hill, Ms Bad Behavior, Indian Blessing (GB), Marina’s Legacy and Conquest Hardcandy.

Quotes from the $400,000 First Lady Presented by UK HealthCare (G1)

Whit Beckman (assistant to Chad Brown, winning trainer of Uni [GB])

“It’s another addition to her tremendous career as a miler. She’s real solid when she’s put at this distance and she’s gone to multiple tracks and has shown that kick.”

Joel Rosario (rider of Uni)
“At some point I thought she (favorite Rushing Fall) would have a little more speed than me and I’d be looking to see where she was and probably follow her and she’d put me in a good spot. In the first turn, it looked like they were going pretty good speed, and I just followed Rushing Fall. (Uni) came with a nice run like she always does. She’s unbelievable. She has a long stride and she just kept coming and coming.”

Florent Geroux (rider of runner-up Juliet Foxtrot [GB])
“Good trip. I was on the inside to save ground. We got going pretty fast. She did good but moved earlier than I wanted, but the horses in front of me were getting tired so I had to make a quick move. I think she was second best today. I think Uni ran the best race. She ran by me pretty easy – still a nice effort from my filly.”

Flavien Prat (rider of third-place finisher Vasilika)
“We had a good trip and she made a good move.”

Javier Castellano (rider of fourth-place finisher and beaten favorite Rushing Fall)
“I had a beautiful trip all the way. It went pretty fast in :22 and :45. I was in midpack, traveled well, passed some horses. Just turning for home, I moved to pass a couple of horses, but at the top of the stretch, she didn’t give it to me. She was more flat today. For (whatever) reason she didn’t respond.”

Bob Edwards of e Five Racing Thoroughbreds (owner of Rushing Fall)
“We’ll probably regroup, talk to Chad (Brown) and come up with a plan. Maybe (send) her down to Stonestreet (in Florida) and let her winter down there and then come back and run her next year.”

On her trip
“Javier was going to let the pace dictate where he was going to put her. She’s done everything: She’s led, she’s come off the pace, she can run any style you need her to. Maybe it was a little hot, maybe it was a little firm today. She likes a little give to the ground. It could have been a number of things. She ran lights out in the Just a Game (G1), lights out against Sistercharlie (IRE). It’s hard to be disappointed with a horse who has won two Grade 1s this year. I would have loved to win another Grade 1 at Keeneland, but I’m not disappointed in the horse at all. I’m happy the horse is sound and we get to fight another battle.”

Spiced Perfection Rallies to Win Thoroughbred Club of America

Spiced Perfection stumbled leaving the gate, worked her way into contention and then split leaders Mia Mischief and Talk Veuve to Me at the eighth pole to go on to a head victory over a late-closing Dawn the Destroyer in the 39th running of the $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (G2).

Spiced Perfection, who won the race in her first start since May 4, is cataloged to sell Nov. 6 at Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale as a racing or broodmare prospect. She is consigned by ELiTE, agent.

Trained by Peter Miller and ridden by Javier Castellano, Spiced Perfection covered the 6 furlongs over a fast main track in 1:10.60. It is the first victory in the race for Miller and Castellano.

With the victory, Spiced Perfection earned a berth in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) to be run at 7 furlongs on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita.

The victory was worth $150,000 and boosted Spiced Perfection’s earnings to $1,026,905 with a record of 18-8-5-2. It is the third Grade 1 victory for the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Smiling Tiger out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat.

Spiced Perfection joins Groupie Doll (2012) and Informed Decision (2009) as the only horses to sweep the Madison (G1) here in the spring and Thoroughbred Club of America in the same year.

Spiced Perfection paid $10.20, $5.60 and $4. Dawn the Destroyer, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, returned $8.40 and $5 and finished 1½ lengths in front of Mia Mischief, who paid $4.40 to show under Joel Rosario.

It was another 1¾ lengths back to favored Chalon, who was followed in order by Ours to Run, Danuska’s My Girl, Talk Veuve to Me, Pretty Greeley and Razorback Lady.

Quotes from the $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (G2)

Javier Castellano (winning rider of Spiced Perfection)
“She stumbled really bad coming out of the gate. She recovered pretty quick and we kept tracking the speed. We got through a little, tiny hole at the eighth pole. The filly was very brave to go through that hole and get it done.”

Bob Flynn (part-owner of Spiced Perfection)
“This horse has been great ever since she started racing. Eighteen races now, eight wins and she just never quits. (A secured spot in the starting gate of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint-G1) sounds great. Sounds wonderful. I’ve never had one in the Breeders’ Cup.”

Tyler Gaffalione (rider of runner-up Dawn the Destroyer)
“It went to plan. There was a ton of speed in the race. We just let them go on about their business and let her find her stride. Coming into the 5/16ths pole, I just took her out and let her run. She really finished up strong. I thought we were going to get there but congratulations and props to the winner (Spiced Perfection). It went pretty quick, it was an honest pace.”

Joel Rosario (rider of third-place finisher Mia Mischief)
“I was in a good position, and then she tried running hard – just third best.”

Arnaud Delacour (trainer of fourth-place finisher and beaten favorite Chalon)
“It looked like she was in a good spot, but she was not really traveling as well as she usually does. The track was a little deep. It never looked at any stage like she was traveling well.”
On whether Chalon will compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships
“Let’s see how she comes back. But it would be a little bit tough to go there off a race like that. She would have had to show something special today. We’ll probably regroup and pass on the Breeders’ Cup.”

Stubbins Wins Woodford Presented by Keeneland Select in Course-Record Time

In the 23rd running of the $200,000 Woodford (G2) Presented by Keeneland Select, Joel Rosario had Stubbins at the rear of the field as Satellite Storm led the field of nine through fractions of :21.18 and :44.21 over the firm turf course.

On the far turn, Stubbins eased off the rail, waited behind horses and swung five wide at the top of the lane for clear sailing. In midstretch, Leinster had emerged with a daylight advantage only to be nailed in the final sixteenth as Stubbins moved on to a three-quarters of a length victory.

Stubbins finished the 5½ furlongs in 1:01.44 eclipsing the stakes record of 1:01.67 set by Sgt. Bert in 2006 and the course record of 1:01.53 established by Perfect Officer in 2012.

Doug O’Neill trains Stubbins, who delivered the first Woodford victory for O’Neill and Rosario.

The victory was worth $120,000 and improved Stubbins’ bankroll to $418,151 with a record of 10-4-2-2. It is the first graded stakes victory for the 3-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Morning Line out of the Atraf (GB) mare Sierra Vista (GB).
Stubbins, a Keeneland sales graduate, returned $17.20, $7 and $4.40. Leinster, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, returned $4 and $3 and finished 1½ lengths in front of favored Imprimis, who paid $2.40 to show under Paco Lopez.

It was another two lengths back to Smart Remark, who was followed in order by Extravagant Kid, Fareeq, Win Lion Win, Satellite Storm and Royal Commish.

Quotes from the $200,000 Woodford (G2) Presented by Keeneland Select

Joel Rosario (winning rider of Stubbins)
On the difference today and his last race on Sept. 12 at Kentucky Downs when he was second to Legends of War in the Nevada State Bank Franklin-Simpson (G3)
“Today, it looked like there was good speed in front. There was good speed at Kentucky Downs, too, but it was a bit different – the horse that won (Legends of War) had a tremendous race. (My horse) came running and was a good second. Today, he came running and put in a good run there at the end. I tried to stay in (on the rail in the turn). I was saving ground and then when I had some room was able to turn him loose.”

Tyler Gaffalione (rider of runner-up Leinster)
“It worked out perfect. The speed went on. We were able to relax right off. When I asked him, he finished up strong. The other horse ran us down. My horse was in full flight and that horse (Stubbins) was finishing all the way to wire – he had a lot left.”

Joe Orseno (trainer of third-place finisher and beaten favorite Imprimis)

“He (jockey Paco Lopez) wanted to get to the outside and he couldn’t. The 9 (Leinster) was holding him in there, he said, and he couldn’t run his race. It’s not that (Imprimis) has to be on the outside but he was trying to run and he couldn’t.”
On whether Imprimis will continue to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships

“If he’s OK, then I think we should plan for it. He was running at the end.”

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Racing continues Sunday with a 10-race program beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET. Highlighting the card to conclude Fall Stars Weekend is the 64th running of the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles on the main track. The Juddmonte Spinster is the afternoon’s ninth race with a 5:45 p.m. post time.

Keeneland will offer a Pick 6 carryover of $31,030 tomorrow. The Pick 6 begins with the 5th race at 3:25 p.m.
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On Saturday, Keeneland held a Jockey Autograph Signing to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Active riders and retired jockeys participated in the event. After the third race, Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason presented a check for $6,725 to the PDJF in the Winner’s Circle.

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For more than 80 years, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts four sales a year, in January, April, September and November, and its sales graduates dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015 and will hold the event again in 2020. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains the Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.