Grade 1 winner Audible won the $200,000 Cherokee Run S. Saturday at Churchill Downs by two lengths in his first start since finishing third in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
The 3-year-old colt, owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners and Starlight Racing, has now won five of seven starts and has earned $1,200,720. His wins this spring included victories in the Florida Derby (G1) and Holy Bull S. (G2).
Although he broke well enough, when a multiple horse scramble for the lead ensued soon after the break, Javier Castellano took Audible back off the pace. Going into the final turn, Castellano went around horses and was closing on the lead with every stride. Six-wide into the stretch, he struck the front and moved away very smartly to get the seven furlongs in a lively 1:22.46 (VIDEO).
“He did everything like a professional today,” Castellano said. “The seven furlongs may have been a bit short but he handled everything like a pro. We broke great and got into a great position with the pace up front.”
“I think he could be Pegasus bound after that,” WinStar Farm President and Racing Manager Elliott Walden added, referencing the January 26th Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream Park.
