NEWS
Closeout powers to clear win in Locust Grove
Posted: Sunday, July 05, 2009 8:04 PM
CLOSEOUT
Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer photo
To view a video replay of the Locust Grove Handicap, click here.
by Myra Lewyn
Glen Hill Farm’s homebred Closeout closed resolutely on the outside for a last-to-first victory on Sunday in the $114,900 Locust Grove Handicap (G3), the closing day feature of the spring meeting at Churchilll Downs.
With the weather showery and the turf course rated as yielding, the field for the one-mile race was reduced to five after three horses were scratched, including Darley Stable’s Tizaqueena, winner of the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2) on May 2.
Despite being a bit rank early, Closeout capably handled the soft footing and uncoiled a sustained rally on the home turn under Robby Albarado. The bay Repriced filly wore down Stealin’ Kisses, the longest shot in the field at 25.30-to-1 odds, and powered clear to win by three lengths under a hand ride for her second graded stakes victory.
“I just rode her a little patiently,” Albarado said of his ride on the 4-to-5 favorite. “We had an honest pace up front, and she showed a lot of confidence when she tugged on me at the three-eighths pole. It was just a matter of her staying on her feet and getting over the soft going.
“It was a Cadillac ride, so I didn’t have much to do on her.”
Closeout was reserved at the back of the field as Tensas Yucatan and Zee Zee set the tempo through an opening quarter in :23.84 and a half-mile in :47.99 while Stealin’ Kisses closely pursued from third.
Nearing the far turn, Closeout advanced into contention on the outside as Stealin’ Kisses bid for command and seized a slim lead nearing the lane.
Closeout was angled four wide by Albarado and wore down Stealin’ Kisses before spurting clear to easily prevail over Gloria Goodbody in 1:38.38.
Stealin’ Kisses tired to finish third, two lengths behind Gloria Goodbody.
Closeout was never a factor while finishing fifth in the Early Times Mint Julep Handicap (G3) on June 6, her first start off a near eight-month layoff. She rebounded strongly in her second start of the year in the Locust Grove.
Trained by Tom Proctor, who won the 2006 Locust Grove for Glen Hill Farm with Rich in Spirit, four-year-old Closeout won half her eight starts in ’08, including the Pucker Up Stakes (G3) at Arlington Park.
Out of the unraced Relaunch mare Deep Discount, Closeout has won five of ten career starts and earned $310,671. She is a full sister to Grade 3 winner Capital Request.
Jockey Julien Leparoux rode 62 winners at the 45-day meet to edge Calvin Borel, who finished with 61. The leading rider title was the third spring title for Leparoux and his fifth overall.
Steve Asmussen saddled 29 winners for his third spring meet training title and sixth overall.
Ken and Sarah Ramsey had 18 winners to capture their record eighth spring leading owner title and 15th overall.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
