Xigera winning the Tepin Stakes at Ellis Park July. (Coady Photography)
Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The powerful team of Rigney Racing and trainer Phil Bauer are poised for a big weekend at Churchill Downs with a trio of stakes entrants: Angkor ($275,000 Aristides); Buchu ($275,000 Regret); and Xigera ($275,000 Shawnee).
“We’re really looking forward to a big weekend here at Churchill,” Bauer said. “I think we have a lot of live runners and the three we have in the stakes should run very well. We’ve targeted these races and think they will be good steppingstones for bigger races of their campaigns.”
Angkor, tabbed as the 4-1 second choice on the morning line in the six-furlong Aristides Stakes, will attempt to take down heavy 4-5 favorite Skelly.
“I like that we’re drawn to the outside of him,” Bauer said. “There’s no hiding how talented Skelly is and how fast he is. I think if we can run back to our last race, we can be very competitive. He likes it here at Churchill Downs where he’s won three races.”
In the Shawnee Stakes, the local prep for the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII) on June 29, Xigera was slated as the 2-1 morning line choice as she attempts to improve on her disappointing last-place finish in the Fasig-Tipton La Troienne (GI)
“The only excuse we can come up with last time was the sloppy track condition,” Bauer said. “She’s razor sharp and we’re expecting her to fire this weekend.”
In the Regret, Buchu began her 3-year-old season with a gutsy half-length score in the Appalachian Stakes (GII) at Keeneland then finished sixth, beaten only 2 ¼ lengths to Dynamic Pricing in the Edgewood (GII).
“This will be a good test for her going nine furlongs for the first time,” Bauer said. “The plan is definitely to keep her reserved early to save some energy for her late kick.”
Aristides Stakes (Race 7, 3:51 p.m.):
Shawnee Stakes (Race 8, 4:23 p.m.)
Regret Stakes (Race 9, 4:55 p.m.)
DOWN THE STRETCH … … … …. …. ……….
Twilight Thursday will kick off the racing week at Churchill Downs with an eight-race card and first post of 5 p.m. The night featured $2 domestic beer, live music from The Leftovers and local food trucks Black Rock Grille, Celtic Pig, Ramiro’s Mexican and Sweet & Savory. … For more information about Churchill Downs, visitwww.churchilldowns.com.
