Spring forward, Fall back was the familiar saying last week as clocks were turned back one hour for Daylight Savings Time. Just when everyone had their clocks properly adjusted, one of our (Woodford Racing) promising 3 year old colts (Hot Springs) decided to “spring forward” at Churchill Downs and win the Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Stakes!
Entering the Commonwealth Stakes, Hot Springs had shown his affinity for the turf course at Churchill Downs by winning all three of his races there. The Grade 3 Commonwealth was a step up in competition and the turf condition was “yielding” from days of rain in Louisville, Kentucky.
As the starting gate opened, Hot Springs established position near the rear of the field. Going into the first turn and down the backstretch, it was apparent he did not care for the very soft turf and was having difficulty getting ahold of it. At the top of the stretch Jockey Ricardo Santana took Hot Springs down to the rail for his run. As he began to make up ground, Santana looked for an opening and abruptly steered Hot Springs off the rail to engage the leader. As he went past the leader it was only a question of how much he was going to win by. The final margin of victory was 1 1/2 lengths!
Photo credit: Coady Photography
With the 2018 thoroughbred racing season coming to a close, the win by Hot Springs was a fantastic way to end the year! Looking back at the stakes race performances of Engage, Catapult and Hot Springs throughout the year has us looking forward to 2019!
Racing Dudes article 1 on Hot Springs
Racing Dudes article 2 on Hot Springs