by Myra Lewyn

Maggi Moss’s Indian Chant dug in when challenged by Noonmark in the final sixteenth and had enough energy to hold him off by a head in a stirring stretch duel in the $119,125 Aristides Stakes (G3) on Saturday at Churchill Downs.   

Trained by Tom Amoss, Indian Chant did not match his Churchill track record of 1:07.55 for the distance set in an allowance race on July 8, 2007, but he gained the first graded stakes win of his career after finishing the trip in 1:08.40 under Jamie Theriot.

The second wagering choice at 2.20-to-1, Indian Chant pressed the pace a half-length behind Esperamos through a blistering opening quarter in :21.10. Although Esperamos was a spirited contestant early on, he succumbed to Indian Chant’s pressure after a half-mile in :43.78 and stopped.

As Indian Chant edged clear, Noonmark advanced from fourth on the turn and was angled to the outside by Shaun Bridgmohan. Indian Chant opened a 1½-length in early stretch, responded eagerly when Noonmark ranged up, and held him off late for the victory.

Elite Squadron, the 2-to-1 favorite, raced evenly to finish third, 5¼ lengths back.
 
Indian Chant won stakes at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Presque Isle Downs last year. He has won or finished second in each of his five starts this season, including his runner-up finish to Junior College in the Hot Spring Stakes on March 22 at Oaklawn Park. He entered the Aristides off a five-length romp in an allowance/optional claiming race on May 11 at the Louisville track.

Bred in California by Triple Crown Bloodstock, Indian Chant is out of the winning Ice Age mare Icy Luck. He improved to nine wins in 23 career starts and increased his lifetime bankroll to $471,823 with the $67,288 winner’s share of the Aristides purse.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times Today editor