D. J. Stable's Wonder Wheel broke alertly, went to the front, and drew away down the stretch for a commanding 6 ¾-length win in the 121st edition of the $167,500 Debutante Stakes on Monday, closing day at Churchill Downs.
Trained by Mark Casse, Wonder Wheel was ridden by leading rider Tyler Gaffalione, who collected his 10th stakes win of the Spring Meet. She covered six furlongs in 1:10.26.
Sabra Tuff was second, and Les Bons Temps was third, 1 ¼ lengths back.
Breaking from post No. 3 in the field of seven 2-year-old fillies, Wonder Wheel emerged as the leader and was pressed by 8-5 favorite Empire of My Own down the backstretch through a quarter mile in :21.52. She kicked a couple lengths clear around the turn, crossed the half-mile marker in :45.05, and then widened her advantage under mild urging.
The victory was worth $106,140 and increased the 2-year-old filly's earnings to $175,600 with a perfect record in two starts. Prior to her Debutante triumph, Wonder Wheel broke her maiden at Churchill Downs on June 3 by 2 ¼ lengths.
“When I first got on her the other month, I thought she could be special,” Gaffalione said. “She did everything so professionally today. She left the gates really well today and did it all on her own. The Casse team got her ready to fire a big effort today. I'm so thankful for all of the people and horses that have supported me this meet. Without them I wouldn't be in this position today. It's been a wonderful meet.”
Wonder Wheel returned $5.60.
Empire of My Own was fourth, followed by Eyes of Gold, Frango Electrico, and Crackalacking.
“She's a special filly and we're so thrilled for the Greens (Jon and Leonard Green of D. J. Stable) that they were able to be here this afternoon for this win,” said Casse's chief Kentucky assistant trainer David Carroll. “She was very impressive in her debut and in her preparation for this race she couldn't have been any better. She's by Into Mischief so we were confident she'd be able to handle the extra distance.”
Wonder Wheel is out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Wonder Gal. She was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm LLC and Clearsky Farms and was purchased for $275,000 from Clearsky Farms at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale.
The Debutante was first staged in 1895.
The post ‘She’s By Into Mischief So We Were Confident’: Wonder Wheel Dazzles In Debutante at Churchill Downs appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
