Calvin Borel worked his magic aboard Moonshine Mullin in winning the Stephen Foster on June 14
FOSTER PROVES CALVIN IS STILL KING AT CHURCHILL
Riding Thoroughbred race horses can often be an unpredictable gig. Certain jockeys can get hotter than others, but all in all, a horse must cooperate and respond for the pilot to enjoy a “successful” flight. At the same time, however, certain riders just seem to know how get the best from their mount and make all the right moves when it is winning time. That was absolutely the case for the man perched aboard an upset minded Moonshine Mullin at the grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap on June 14.
Wins on the biggest stage have been the calling card for Calvin Borel at Churchill Downs. As perhaps the most recognized of riders beneath the twin spires, this hall of fame jockey has over 5,000 career wins to go along with his three Kentucky Derby victories. But since his last Derby win happened back in 2010, our microwave society may have forgotten just how good he is at the Louisville oval. His upset ride aboard a 10-1 shot at this year’s Foster however, proved Calvin is still king at Churchill.
The 33rd running of the Stephen Foster came as particularly tough this go round. Now that this mile and an eighth race is a Breeders’ Cup win and you’re in contest for the $5 million Classic, a high quality field is always present. With four million dollar winners (Will Take Charge, Revolutionary, Prayer For Relief, Departing) in the field along with the highly acclaimed Long River and Mylute, it was easy to understand why the crafty Cajun and his horse that was claimed for $40,000 last November were a bit under the radar. But a closer look tells us things were setting up perfectly for a big showing by Borel and his Kentucky-bred.
Entering the Foster, Moonshine Mullin was on a four race winning streak which included a front-running score in the grade 2 Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks day. With Calvin in the irons that day and a lack on any other real front-running speed in the main event on June 14, this six-year old son of Albert the Great was primed to continue his peaking performance.
When the gates opened, Borel immediately began a masterful ride. Keeping Moonshine Mullin just off a very moderate pace (23.98 opening quarter, 47.91 half mile), Borel was playing the field like a two-string fiddle. As the front-running Jaguar Paw began to fade, Borel eased in front and guided his horse to the rail. After surrendering the lead at the top of the stretch to Departing while still keeping a hold on his horse, Calvin waited patiently to make his move. Inside the quarter pole, Bo-Bo asked for more and Moonshine started to drink. Retaking the lead at the eighth pole, the charge to the finish was on. After putting away Departing Borel and Moonshine Mullin easily fended off a late run from the highly acclaimed Will Take Charge to win by 1 ¾ lengths.
“Moonshine is a nice horse and he just keeps getting better and better,” says Borel. “I have to thank (trainer) Randy Morse for giving me a chance to ride him. When a horse peaks they peak and right now he’s got his feet under him. I can’t believe they only paid $40,000 for him.”
The second lifetime win for Calvin Borel in the Stephen Foster Handicap was certainly a testament to his riding abilities and the running of the Thoroughbred beneath him. The other runners in the race were tough, but so were the jockeys. In gaining a trip to the winner’s circle, this 47 year-old warrior outfoxed three other hall of famers (John Velazquez, Mike Smith, Gary Stevens) and a three-time winner of the race (Robby Albarado). And for whatever it is worth, Calvin’s other claim in the Foster was another brilliant ride aboard 91-1 shot Seek Gold (2006).
In case some may have forgotten, Calvin Borel has now proven he is still worthy of wearing the crown at the Downs. And if you ask him if it ever gets old winning beneath those twin spires, he will quickly tell you the answer.
“Heck no it never gets old,” crows Calvin. “That’s why I’m still here. If it ever gets old I won’t be here.”
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