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Private Creed Sails Home In Franklin-Simpson

Mike McCarthy's Private Creed halted a six-race winless stretch as he held back filly Playlist to comfortably land the $1-million Exacta Systems Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds on Saturday at Kentucky Downs.

Already a winner over the track's European-style turf course after taking the Juvenile Sprint last September, the son of Jimmy Creed had not visited a winner's circle since October when taking the Indian Summer at Keeneland, but he would not be denied Saturday while notching his third victory from 11 career starts and cementing his status as a horse to watch for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) in November at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Joel Rosario for trainer Steve Asmussen, Private Creed rallied along the rail to overtake front-runner Sweet Cherry Pie in the stretch as Playlist, the lone filly in the field, charged up from the outside but had to settle for second.

Private Creed, who won by 2 1/4 lengths, returned $14.02 after completing 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.03.

Sweet Cherry Pie hung on for third.

Scoring his first win from six starts this year and first in a graded stakes, Private entered off a rallying second-place finish in the Mahony at 5 1/2-furlongs at Saratoga on Aug. 13. HIs record includes a creditable third in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint (G1) at Keeneland. The $585,960 winner's share of the Franklin-Simpson purse boosted his lifetime bankroll to $1,248,286.

Bred in Kentucky by Sierra Farm, Private Creed is out of the Sky Mesa mare South Andros. He was a $155,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale, where Mason Springs consigned him.

Franklin-Simpson Quotes

Jockey Joel Rosario, 1st, Private Creed – On riding a repeat winner: “It seems like they run really well over the track. This horse tries had all the time. It seems like he really loves it here.

How was your trip: “It looked like I was in a good spot right in the beginning of the race. It looked like he was responding really well for me and getting over the track really well. We had to work things out turning for home. The horse that was in front of me kind of moved off the rail a little bit and then he came back in. I had horse and was just trying to keep riding him and hopefully if I can maybe go inside at some point and then come out. He came off the rail and I just took it.”

Steve Asmussen, winning trainer, Private Creed:

“Had a lot of confidence in him off the race at Saratoga. It was a little soft, but he needed it and he trained beautifully into this race. And this was the target for him since he won over here last year. Very important for us to have a little success here, with (major client) Ron (Winchell) being a partner on owning the racetrack.

(And now the target is next year's $1-million Ainsworth Turf Sprint against older horses?) “Absolutely. Hope we have another Snapper Sinclair on our hands. But it is great to have a horse that has an affinity for this course because of how rich the purses are.”

(How about Joel Rosario?) “Dream trip. Just as good as it gets. He got away from there well, so he put him in hand and he was comfortable. He's a really big horse; and that was away extremely well for him. And Joel put him in the pocket, came right up the fence.”

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint? “Absolutely. Heck yes. Whether we run him back between now and then I'm not sure. We'll have to see how much this took out of him.”

(This was 6 1/2 furlongs. Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint is five furlongs at Santa Anita) “I think when he's right, he's extremely good and we're very thankful. Scott (Blasi) did a wonderful job with him. Off the race at Churchill we were very concerned. Big open gash on him and stuff, but it healed up extremely well. It did take longer than we were wanting it to, but he was back just in time. He clipped heels and I believe it was his other leg hitting himself.”

Wesley Ward, trainer, runner-up Playlist: “She ran great. We had to run her against the boys because she didn't get in the other day (in the Music City). I was happy with her. Really happy. I think she's going to go on to be a really good horse.”

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BC ‘Win & You’re In’: Auguste Rodin Takes Irish Champion Stakes; Tahirya Dominates Matron

Auguste Rodin gave Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore a fifth successive win Saturday in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown.

The victory earned Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Westerberg's 3-year-old son of Deep Impact an automatic berth into the $4-million Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In.

The Irish Champion Stakes was one of three Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races conducted Saturday at Leopardstown, along with the Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes (G1) and the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2).

The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of 80 Graded/Group stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

The Irish Champion Stakes was a tactical masterclass from the Ballydoyle team as eventual runner-up Luxembourg (4-1) and Point Lonsdale cut out the early running with Auguste Rodin (the 11-4 favorite) sitting in behind. The British challengers, King Of Steel, Nashwa, and Alflaila, all settled at the rear of the field. With 2 furlongs to go, Ryan Moore angled his mount out to challenge and drove to the front close home to score by a half-length, with the fast-finishing Nashwa back in third under Hollie Doyle.

Saturday's victory marked another remarkable comeback from the winner, who recovered from his QIPCO 2000 Guineas (G1) disappointment to win the June 3 Betfred Derby (G1) at Epsom. Auguste Rodin was racing for the first time since finishing last of 10 in the July 29 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (G1) at Ascot.

Following the race, O'Brien told FanDuel TV that the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita is under consideration for Auguste Rodin.

“I'd say there is a very strong possibility because the lads love the Breeders' Cup, and the Breeders' Cup is where everyone wants to be at that time of year,” O'Brien said. “We'll see how he is in a week or 10 days, but there is a very strong possibility that's where he could be.”

Ryan Moore paid tribute to O'Brien for getting Auguste Rodin back to his best.

“It's very satisfying for him to come back and prove how good he is,” he said. “Cantering to the start, he felt in a really good place and he floated around there. He's a very well-balanced horse, a beautiful mover, and it never really felt in any real doubt. I'm delighted with him. It's a fantastic job by Aidan (O'Brien) to get him back. He's beaten some proven Group 1 horses there, so it's satisfying.”

Auguste Rodin completed the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:02:68 over a course listed as good, good-to-firm in places.

Tahirya Dominates Matron Stakes

The Aga Khan's Tahiyra showed her class under a confident Chris Hayes to claim her fourth career Group 1 and win the one-mile Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes (G1). This victory secured the daughter of Siyouni an automatic entry into the $2-million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

Sent off as the 5-6 favorite for trainer Dermot Weld, Tahirya had not raced since her June 23 win in the Coronation Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. She traveled strongly in midfield through the early stages with Just Beautiful making the early running. The 3-year-old filly showed a smart turn of foot to go to the front approaching the final furlong and ran on strongly to score by 1 3/4 lengths. The Tom Clover-trained Rogue Millennium finished second, with Just Beautiful back in third.

After the race, trainer Dermot Weld said: “She's an amazing animal, I have a wonderful team and it's great credit to them. We have a lot to look forward to with her. The Breeders' Cup has to be a possibility and there's a decision to be made as to whether she stays in training next season.”

Tahirya completed the mile in 1:37:50.

Diego Velazquez Leads 1-2 for O'Brien in KPMG Champions Juvenile

Diego Velazquez remained unbeaten after quickening past stablemate Capulet in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2) to gain an automatic berth into this year's $1-million Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). Auguste Rodin won this race for the same connections 12 months ago.

A son of Frankel, Diego Velazquez was following up an impressive debut win in a maiden race at The Curragh. He was sent off at odds of 8-15 on Saturday, but was made to work hard for victory. It was not until the final half-furlong before Ryan Moore urged his mount past Capulet to win by a half-length. The Joseph O'Brien-trained Atlantic Coast was a further 3 1/4 lengths back in third.

The Smith, Magnier, Tabor, Westerberg, Brant-owned Diego Velazquez completed the 1-mile contest in a time of 1:40:46.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners of the Challenge Series winners to start at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the Championships' pre-entry deadline of Oct. 23 to receive the rewards.

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Sod Dabbler Or Diver, Saturday’s Graded Stakes Runs Deep

The going sticks will get stuck and with the rails down or out, the Saturday graded stakes lineup trucks in with heaps of sod for your turf racing enjoyment.

Whether you are a dabbling duck or one that takes a deep dive, there is something for everyone as the Downs–Kentucky and Colonial–plus Woodbine Racetrack and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, all feature high-level grass action.

KENTUCKY DOWNS GRADED SIX PACK

The uniquely designed turf course at Kentucky Downs cards the most graded stakes this Saturday, which will lead off with the GIII Ladies Marathon S.

Going 1 5/16ths, look for MGSP Vergara (Noble Mission) to stalk the pace as she returns to the site where she won last year by a head in the Dueling Grounds Oaks. Standing in her way is GSW Personal Best (Tapit) who broke her maiden at last year's meet before going on to face graded company this spring at Gulfstream Park where the homebred won the GIII La Prevoyante S.

With no overwhelming favorite on the morning-line, expect the GII Franklin-Simpson S. to be an all-out war both on the tote and sprinting down the stretch. Playlist (Uncle Mo), making her first stakes start, will look to go on the offensive early versus the boys, but she will have to contend with Sweet Cherry Pie (Twirling Candy), who has never sampled turf, and GSW Mo Stash (Mo Town), who is cutting back for the first time in almost a year.

Playlist | Coady Photography

“I like to run fillies against colts in sprints,” said Playlist's trainer Wesley Ward. “I don't think it makes a big difference. If you look at the times in the 2-year-olds in training sales, the fillies are always faster as a group. I think they can compete against the colts every time.”

Moving right along, the GIII Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf S. pits GISP and MGSP White Frost (Candy Ride {Arg}) against GSW and 'TDN Rising Star' New Year's Eve (Kitten's Joy). After a very solid first half, the former was second in the De La Rose S. Aug. 2 at Saratoga and will face many of those competitors in this spot, while the latter prepped ably by winning this race's preview at Ellis Park Aug. 6.

Back to the speedsters for the GII Turf S. for males, it is going to be a pleasure to see another bout between the top two finishers in Aug. 5 running of the GIII Troy S. at Saratoga. That slugfest upstate saw Cogburn (Not This Time) catch GSW Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}) just before the wire. If this race wasn't tough enough, you will also find 'TDN Rising Star' and Woodbine GII Connaught Cup hero Dream Shake (Twirling Candy) looking to make it three wins in a row.

The GII Ladies Turf S. includes favorite MGSP Bay Storm (Kantharos), as she looks to add to her overall earnings after winning the prep for this race Aug. 5 at Ellis Park, and the experienced GSW and GISP Wakanaka (Ire) (Power {GB}).

Bringing up the graded rear going 12 furlongs will be the $1.7-million GII Turf Cup S., which offers a 'Win and You're In' opportunity into the GI Breeders' Cup Longines Turf. A pair of Brendan Walsh trainees in GSW Verstappen (War Front) and MGISW Santin (Distorted Humor) come calling, but they are going to have to be cognizant of GI United Nations S. victor Therapist (Freud) and GIII Dinner Party S. winner Never Explain (Street Sense).

“I wouldn't completely rule out him going back to dirt again at some point,” Walsh said of Santin. “But he's a heck of a turf horse … he ran a very good second in the Arlington Million. It was a fantastic run. He was up on the pace the whole way and was there to be shot at. And he held in there and ran a really, really good second. I feel he's doing really well coming into here. He got a mile and a quarter at Colonial. I don't see why he wouldn't get a mile and a half. He's a very relaxed horse, maybe a little too laid back if anything.”

KLARAVICH STABLEMATES TRADE BLOWS IN VIRGINIA DERBY

Program Trading | Sarah Andrew

On its closing day Saturday, Colonial Downs hosts the nine-furlong GIII Virginia Derby.

Klaravich Stables has a pair of Chad Brown trainees which pose a major threat to the rest of the field. Activist Investing (GB) (Kingman {GB}) was very sharp at this distance when he cleared the optional claiming ranks Aug. 13 at Saratoga in his lone race this year. He will do battle with GI Saratoga Derby star Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) by attempting to relieve his speed-oriented stablemate of his perfect record.

Also present is Salute the Stars (Candy Ride {Arg}), winner of the Monmouth Park Pegasus S. June 17 and surprise longshot from the Aug. 12 GII Secretariat S. at Colonial, Gigante (Not This Time), who is trying to become the first Virginia-bred to win this race.

WOODBINE'S TURF ACE RETURNS

Not to be missed in the GII Canadian S. for older females is the return of last year's victoress Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutalfan {Ire}), who wired the field last out in the GI Beverly D Aug. 12 at Colonial. She will square off against the top three finishers from the GII Dance Smartly S. Aug. 20 at Woodbine, which includes Miss Dracarys (Malibu Moon).

“Javier [Castellano] and I were flying to Colonial Downs, and we were talking about the race [Beverly D],” said Fev Rover's trainer Mark Casse. “He said, 'There's no speed in this race.' I agreed and told him that she can go right to the lead. The nice thing about her, and Tepin [champion and dual Hall of Fame mare] was the same way, is that a great horse can bring their A-game no matter the situation. So, we went right to the lead, and it was over when that happened.”

Also on the graded docket is the GIII Singspiel S., which returns to 1 1/4 grass distance from two years ago. GSP Malibu Mambo (Point of Entry) could be the hot commodity after a sharp late surge against optional claimers in Toronto Aug. 12, but don't count out GSP Palazzi (Pioneerof the Nile).

DEL MAR SPORTS LONE GRADED DIRT RACE

Julias Dream | Benoit

The GI Del Mar Debutante S., the only graded dirt race on Saturday, is sure to bring some attention with a capacity field of 14. First-crop sire Flameaway is well represented with 'TDN Rising Star' Julias Dream, who broke her maiden by 5 1/2 lengths over the turf at Del Mar Aug. 6. She will take on the top two finishers from the GIII Sorrento S. Aug. 12, Dreamfyre (Flameaway) and Benedetta (City of Light). The lineup also includes Chatalas (Gun Runner) and Tamara (Bolt d'Oro), who both broke their maidens at first asking in Solana Beach July 30 and Aug. 19, respectively.

It wouldn't be Del Mar's surf without the turf and this year's GII John Mabee S. might be remembered as a match between GII Yellow Ribbon H. wearer Closing Remarks (Vronsky) and MGSW Neige Blanche (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}). Still, no one should overlook trainer Phil D'Amato's offerings. After all, he is looking to edge out Bob Baffert for the training title, and both Oakhurst (Mr Speaker) and GSW Turnerloose (Nyquist) will try to help the cause as the Del Mar meet concludes Sunday with a pair of graded races, the GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity and GIII Del Mar Juvenile Turf S.

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Win And You’re In: Auguste Rodin, King of Steel Rematch In Irish Champion Stakes

Three exciting Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In races will take place at Leopardstown on Saturday, with the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1) featured during an exceptional opening day on Irish Champions Weekend.

Amo Racing Limited's King Of Steel and Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, and Westerberg's Auguste Rodin (IRE) will renew their rivalry, leading a nine-horse field in the 1 1/4-mile Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (G1). The winner will gain an automatic berth into the $4 million Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, an international series of 80 Graded/Group stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

Two other Win and You're In berths will also be awarded at Leopardstown. The winner of the Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes (G1) will earn an automatic starting position into the $2 million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), and the winner of the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2) will earn a free spot into the $1 million Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).

Auguste Rodin, winner of the Betfred Derby (G1) and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (G1), will bid to bounce back to form after he was eased nearing the stretch in the July 29 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (G1) at Ascot. The son of Deep Impact (JPN) seeks to give Aidan O'Brien a fifth straight win in the race but will have to face again King Of Steel, the 9-4 favorite. King Of Steel finished third at Ascot last time out.

Alflaila (GB) is set for his first shot at Group 1 glory after being supplemented by connections at a cost of €75,000. The Owen Burrows-trained colt made a triumphant return from nine months on the sidelines when powering home to lift the July 29 York Stakes (G2).

Last year's runner-up Onesto (IRE) will bid to go one better for trainer Fabrice Chappet. The French raider found only Luxembourg (IRE) too strong in a high-class renewal 12 months ago, but will have the assistance of the red-hot Frankie Dettori in the saddle this year. Luxembourg's most recent racecourse appearance was when he finished fourth behind Hukum (IRE) in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes.

John and Thady Gosden are represented by Nashwa (GB), who was last seen finishing second behind stablemate Mostahdaf (IRE) in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1). Joseph O'Brien's Al Riffa (FR) has been the runner-up in both of his starts this year, but was a big-race scorer in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1) during Irish Champions Weekend in 2022.

“Nashwa is in great form,” John Gosden said. “It takes a long time to get her into the racing zone but when she's there she really enjoys it. She's built very powerfully and she takes her racing well; she's not a delicate filly. To that extent, we're game on to go to Ireland. It's a fabulous race and if we can run here and maybe one more time this year that would be great.”

The field is completed by the Jessica Harrington-trained Sprewell (IRE) and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Point Lonsdale (IRE).

13 Declared for Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes

H H Aga Khan's Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1) and Coronation Stakes (G1) heroine Tahiyra (IRE) is the star attraction among 13 fillies set to go to post for the 1-mile Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes (G1) for a free berth into the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Trainer Dermot Weld also saddles high-class older filly Homeless Songs (IRE), who is one of two hopefuls for Moyglare Stud Farm along with Paddy Twomey's Just Beautiful (GB).

Aidan O'Brien has applied blinkers for the first time to Meditate (IRE), attempting to regain the form that saw her win the 2022 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1). Zarinsk (GB) bids for a third straight win for Ger Lyons and Ralph Beckett's Prosperous Voyage (IRE), while Tom Clover's Rogue Millennium (IRE) and Olivia Maralda (IRE), from Roger Varian's yard, all travel from Britain for the Group 1 contest.

Diego Velazquez Puts Unbeaten Record on the Line

Impressive Curragh scorer Diego Velazquez (IRE), a son of Frankel (GB) who won on debut by 4 3/4 lengths, is a hot favorite for KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2) as one of three runners for Aidan O'Brien alongside Capulet and Democracy (IRE). The KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2) over 1 mile will award the first automatic starting berth into this year's Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).

Joseph O'Brien runs the supplemented Atlantic Coast and Bad Desire (IRE), while Donnacha O'Brien saddles Bremen (IRE).

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the Challenge Series winners to start at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the Championships' pre-entry deadline of Oct. 23 to receive the rewards.

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