Two Phil's stamped himself a horse to watch at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May with a convincing 5¼-length victory in the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), the marquee race Saturday at Turfway Park.
Owned in partnership by Patricia's Hope and Phil Sagan, Two Phil's earned 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby for his victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, adding to his growing total of now 123 points. Runner-up Major Dude tallied 40 points followed by third-place finisher Funtastic Again (30 points), fourth-place Wadsworth (20 points), and fifth-place Maker's Candy (10 points).
Two Phil's was ridden by Jareth Loveberry and is trained by Larry Rivelli. The son of former Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Hard Spun completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.03 on the all-weather track
Loveberry positioned Two Phil's in seventh in the early stages of the Jeff Ruby Steaks, 2¾-lengths off pacesetter Funtastic Again's quarter-mile time of :23.49. Up the backside, Funtastic Again and jockey Gerardo Corrales continued to dictate the pace through a half-mile in :47.84. At the half-mile pole, Two Phil's moved up to fourth, two lengths off the pace. Around the far turn, favored Major Dude began to make his challenge in the two-path while Loveberry spun Two Phil's three-wide. At the top of the stretch Two Phil's poked his head in front and drew clear in the late stages.
“The original plan probably wasn't to run in this spot,” Rivelli said. “I was just looking for the best route to get Two Phil's to the Kentucky Derby (G1). With this race on the calendar I thought it was the perfect timing and perfect spot. We're on our way to the Derby.”
Two Phil's rewarded his backers with $7.64 for the win. Major Dude with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. finished second, 2 1/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Funtastic Again.
Rivelli reported Two Phil's will now head back to Hawthorne Park and ship to Louisville about three-weeks out of the Kentucky Derby. The talented 3-year-old has a lifetime record of 4-1-1 from eight starts and purse earnings of $683,450.
Wadsworth crossed the wire fourth followed by Maker's Candy, Congruent, Baby Billy, Escapologist, Bluebirds Over and Point Proven.
Two Phil's is by Hard Spun out of the General Quarters mare Mia Torri. He was bred in Kentucky by co-owner Phil Sagan.
JEFF RUBY STEAKS QUOTES:
Jareth Loveberry, jockey, Two Phil's (winner): “Three weeks ago I suffered a hairline fracture in my left fibula but I'm pretty high on life right now and don't feel that too much. Two Phil's has seemed to get better each week this winter at Fair Grounds. Last time he had a beatiful trip but he seems to do his best running while behind horses. I think h'es getting better with each start. He ran well in the Lecomte but I thought he was even better in the Risen Star. It's just very exciting to be partnered with a horse like this and a team that's supported me.”
Larry Rivelli, trainer, Two Phil's (winner): “The original plan probably wasn't to run in this spot. I was just looking for the best route to get Two Phil's to the Kentucky Derby. With this race on the calendar I thought it was the perfect timing and perfect spot. We're on our way to the Derby.”
Irad Ortiz Jr., jockey, Major Dude (runner-up): “I was just second best to the winner today. I sat a great trip and was in a perfect spot. The winner outkicked us going for home.”
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