mdracing69

Departing breezed 4f in :51.80 (44/46) at Churchill Downs on 6-19.

Nothing exotic about Paynter’s name: It came from a fellow who was painting Baffert’s new house.

The BHP jockey standings have been tight all meet, but defending Spring/Summer champion Rafael Bejarano found some breathing room with a Friday five-bagger.

Trainer Bret Calhoun said that Bahnah, a six-length winner at Churchill Downs on June 6 in her first start, is being pointed to the Schuylerville (GIII) at Saratoga on July 19. “The Debutante was coming back just a little too quick,” Calhoun said.

Trainer Bret Calhoun said Fiftyshadesofgold, a 10-length winner in her career debut on May 24 at Lone Star Park, will make her next start in the $100,000-added Debutante at Churchill Downs on June 22.

Last year’s Debutante (GIII) winner Blueeyesintherein exited her impressive 4 ¾-length victory in Thursday’s seventh race in good order, according to trainer Garry Simms. No plans have been made for her next start.

Ross Brinson, who trained 1947 Hollywood Gold Cup winner Cover Up, died Thursday morning at the age of 101. His son Gary, the starter at Betfair Hollywood Park for the last 29 years, said his father passed away in his sleep at 5 a.m.

The following statement is issued on behalf of NYRA by Vice President and Director of Racing P.J. Campo: “All of us at NYRA are saddened to learn that Ramon Dominguez has been forced to end his riding career. Ramon distinguished himself immediately upon moving his tack to New York in 2009. Already a wintertime regular at Aqueduct, Ramon made a seamless transition to riding full-time on the NYRA circuit. He won numerous meet riding titles and many of our top races, en route to becoming New York’s leading rider for each of the past four years. Ramon’s accomplishments – including the last three Eclipse awards as North America’s top jockey – only tell part of the story, though. He has epitomized class both on and off the racetrack. Universally respected by his fellow riders and beloved by fans, Ramon has built a towering and well-deserved reputation that serves as a standard for all future jockeys. It has been a true privilege to have him in the NYRA riding colony and we wish him and his family the very best in this new chapter of their lives.”

Champion Royal Delta and defending Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) winner Ron the Greek galloped at Churchill Downs on Wednesday morning after visiting the paddock under Rudolph Brisset. Royal Delta was on the track at 6 a.m. and Ron the Greek trained at 6:30 a.m. “They both went over the track great and seem to be doing very well,” said Kenny McCarthy, assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

Nice, likin sparks. Nothing wrong with two copies of the Trifecta.