ROMANS’ ALL-TIME LEADING TRAINER REIGN COMING TO A CLOSE

By Kevin Kerstein —-

Dale Romans; Anne M. Eberhardt Photo

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sunday, May 31, 2020) – Dale Romans has spent 931 days as the all-time leading trainer at Churchill Downs and as Steve Asmussen quickly closes on his record, Romans is enjoying his time on top while it lasts. Romans entered Sunday’s program just two wins in front of Asmussen 737-to-735.

“I always said when I was chasing Bill Mott’s record that I just wanted to say I was all-time leading trainer at Churchill Downs for just one day,” Romans reflected. “Now, a year-and-a-half into this, it’s not a surprise Steve has caught up. He’s a great trainer and a great horseman. Records are meant to be broken and I’m enjoying my time as all-time leading trainer while it lasts.”

Asmussen, a lifelong horseman who was born in South Dakota but spent many years in Laredo, Texas, only had two horses entered Sunday at Churchill Downs. Even though Romans’ record cannot be broken Sunday, it is only a matter of time before Asmussen rises to the top. In the last five Spring Meets at Churchill Downs, Asmussen has started an average of 126 horses per meet and had an average of 22 wins. By comparison, Romans started an average of 79 horses with 11 wins per meet.

Not only is Asmussen on the charge to become Churchill Downs’ all-time leading trainer, he was only 595 victories behind Dale Baird to become horse racing’s all-time leading trainer in North America.

The Top 5 trainers in all-time wins at Churchill Downs are Romans (737 wins), Asmussen (735), Mott (724), D. Wayne Lukas (537) and Bernie Flint (497).

SUNDAY TURF WORKS INCLUDED FIVE GRADED STAKES WINNERS – Sunday marked the first day of turf training at Churchill Downs and five horses who recorded published workouts over the Matt Winn Turf Course were graded stakes winners, including Grade I winners Arklow (four furlongs, :51) and Henley’s Joy (five furlongs, 1:03).

Other top horses that recorded turf works were 2018 Robert B. Lewis (GIII) winner Lombo (1:03.20), 2018 Canadian Derby (GIII) victor Sky Promise (five furlongs, 1:01.60) and the 2019 Muniz Memorial Stakes (GII) hero Factor This (four furlongs, :49.20).

“(Factor This) has really filled out in the last year and looks and feels great,” jockey Shaun Bridgmohan said after he returned from working the nine-time winner. “He worked great this morning and really got over this turf course at Churchill great. He seems like a more mature horse now which is really exciting to see.”

Factor This’ stablemate, Arklow, who worked under jockey Florent Geroux, is a possible contender for the June 13, $100,000 Louisville (GIII), according to his trainer Brad Cox.

STAKES NOMINATIONS – A stakes doubleheader is on tap Saturday at Churchill Downs with the 44th running of the $100,000 Dogwood (Grade III) and the 32nd running of the $100,000 Aristides (Listed). The Dogwood will offer Top 4 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks: 20-8-4-2. Here are some of the probable entrants to both races from Churchill Downs assistant racing secretary and stakes coordinator Dan Bork:

$100,000 Dogwood (GIII) – 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs: Ain’t No Elmers (trainer Bret Calhoun); Bayerness (Cherie Devaus); Magic Dance (Steve Asmussen); and Naughty Thoughts (Jonathan Maldonado).

$100,000 Aristides (Listed) – 4-year-olds and up at six furlongs: Bobby’s Wicked One (Al Stall Jr.); Manny Wah (Wayne Catalano); and Volatile (Asmussen).

DOWN THE STRETCH – Sunday’s 10-race program had a first post of 1 p.m. and featured a $149,234 carryover in the 20-cent Single 6 Jackpot (Races 5-10), $101,123 carryover in the 50-cent Late Pick 5 (Races 6-10) and $7,599 carryover in the $1 Super Hi 5 (Race 10). Free past performances are available on www.churchilldowns.com/handicapping. … Racing will continue Thursday-Sunday with a first post of 1 p.m.