BLOOM LOOKS FOR REPEAT IN JUVENILE AT KENTUCKY DOWNS
Kentucky Downs can offer many things to many people. For veteran horseman Jeff Bloom it provides a chance to repeat a magical run.
When the Kentucky Downs meet opens on September 1, the California based Bloom will look to send one of his promising youngsters to Franklin, Kentucky. One of the big reasons the former exercise rider, commentator, and now owner is excited about the 2018 Downs season is the success he enjoyed in 2017.
Last year Bloom Racing brought Snapper Sinclair to the European-style turf course in search of success. Snapper was coming off a win at Saratoga and trainer Steve Asmussen thought the Juvenile Turf Showcase would be a great fit. As it turned out the hall of fame conditioner was correct as Snapper turned in an impressive run over the undulation that is Kentucky Downs. After capturing first place in the $400,000 event last September, Sinclair took Bloom on a nice ride earlier this year as his horse was on the Kentucky Derby trail. Courageous runs in the LeComte and Risen Star Stakes in Louisiana provided some Derby fever for the Kentucky Downs graduate before he had to exit the super highway that leads to the first Saturday in May.
That was then and this is now. Bloom is back at Kentucky Downs in the same race with another two-year old. Henley’s Joy will be flying the Bloom Racing Stable’s colors on September 1 when the Juvenile is run. Trained by Mike Maker, this son of Kitten’s Joy won the first race of his career on July 21 at Ellis Park. With an expected full field, repeating will be no easy task for the Del Mar staple. Having a horse with a great grass pedigree and being trained by one of the most successful conditioners at Kentucky Downs is certainly a good start.
“We had hoped to bring Snapper back for another race here but he is just not ready,” says Bloom. “We are very excited to be back with another horse at this fantastic track. As far as repeating in the same race, we sure hope so!”
The Juvenile Turf Showcase is again worth $400,000 and will be one of four stakes races on the opening day card. First post is slated for 1:25pm central.
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