Botox Katie and Santo Sanjur were not even part of the conversation in the pre-race analysis, but they certainly became the headline story at the end. The duo scored the upset in the 20th running of the $100,000 Shelby County Stakes on Wednesday, June 7 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Botox Katie began her six-furlong sprint from post two and was in last place as Forever Noted and Fernando De La Cruz and Betcha with DeShawn Parker aboard held down the top spots. Bella Bolle and Malcolm Franklin were also in the early mix with a swift pace setting up. Horses began to make their move in the turn as the leaders held on gamely to their advantage. Botox Katie was behind the outer flow of traffic.
In the stretch, Botox Katie moved into contention and was fourth as Bella Bolle took control of the lead. Once she had clearance, the six-year-old kicked into a closing gear that drove her right pat Bella Bolle for the win by one and one-quarter lengths. Lil Evie and Rodney Prescott closed in for third.
“There was a lot of speed in this race, so we just wanted to let the speed go because I knew she (Botox Katie) has a kick,” said Sanjur. “We wanted to get away from the break as well as we could and play it by ear from there. The race set up perfectly for her and when she came out, she was running.”
Botox Katie lit up the tote board, paying $185.00 for the win. The daughter of Domestic Dispute is owned by Thirstyacres Racing LLC and trained by owner Tianna Richardville. The mare was bred and raised by Richardville, who owns a farm complete with a breeding operation in Shelbyville, just minutes from Horseshoe Indianapolis.
“She (Botox Katie) is a pretty special mare to us,” said Richardville. “She didn't even start racing until she was five (last year). She had a slight tendon problem and we turned her out at three. She had a great year last year and proved just giving her the time she needed paid off.”
Botox Katie earned her first win of 2023 and her fourth overall. She now has more than $160,000 on her card in only two years of racing. It was the first time Sanjur had been aboard the mare in a race.
“I thought she needed a couple races to get fit this year,” added Richardville. “She ran well for us last year and had a good year, making almost $100,000. Santo (Sanjur) was actually supposed to ride her in her last race, but he was sick that day and we had to make a rider change. Santo has been breezing her in the mornings. I thought she would be better running longer, but she ran a great race today. This is so exciting to get this win today.”
The 21st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Friday, Nov. 17. Live racing is held Tuesday through Thursday with Saturday racing added in during the summer months. First post Tuesday and Wednesday is 2:30 p.m. Thursday racing begins at 2:10 p.m. The Summer Saturday Racing Series includes five all-Quarter Horse dates July 1, July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7 beginning at 10:45 a.m. Indiana's featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for 12 p.m. Saturday, July 8. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.
The post Botox Katie Springs $185 Upset In Horseshoe Indianapolis’ Shelby County Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
