Churchill Downs: Debt Ceiling impresses in Bashford Manor
June 29, 2013LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jerry Robb knows his way around the racetrack, having trained for 40 years, but he had a tough time finding the winner’s circle Saturday night.
Robb is from Maryland and couldn’t be blamed for his unfamiliarity with the layout at Churchill Downs, where his latest stable star, Debt Ceiling, took far less time putting away his six opponents in the 112th running of the Grade 3, $107,700 Bashford Manor Stakes over a sloppy racetrack.
“The colt ran big, didn’t he?” an elated Robb asked after he, owner Tim O’Donoughue, and several other friends from Maryland finally came beaming into the winner’s circle.
Ridden by Eric Camacho, Debt Ceiling remained unbeaten in three career starts after stalking My Corinthian and Hollywood Talent to the half-mile pole, then swooping past to an insurmountable lead, with Camacho wrapping up for the final 100 yards or so. The Kentucky-bred son of Discreet Cat paid $12.40 after finishing the six-furlong distance in 1:10.66.
Hollywood Talent finished 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner and another 2 1/2 lengths before My Corinthian. D’cajun Cat, the 13-10 favorite, had no mishap when finishing fifth.
Robb said Debt Ceiling likely will run next at the upcoming Saratoga meet, with the specific race still to be determined. In his two previous races, Debt Ceiling won a Laurel maiden race and the $75,000 Rollicking Stakes at Pimlico.
O’Donoghue, originally from Boston, works in the information-technology industry in Parkland, Fla.
The $2 exacta (4-3) paid $48.80, the $1 trifecta (4-3-2) returned $161.50, and the 10-cent superfecta (4-3-2-5) was worth $97.59.
Right to Vote wins Kelly's Landing
Earlier Saturday, when the track was still fast prior to an evening deluge, Right to Vote ($12.20) gave trainer Ron Moquett his third stakes winner in less than 24 hours when leading all the way in the $60,325 Kelly’s Landing.
Right to Vote, ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, finished five lengths before the favored Laurie’s Rocket in the seven-furlong race, which had just four starters following two early scratches.