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Matz trainee Chelokee wins first Barbaro Stakes running |
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Written by Gohorsepower.com
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Saturday, 19 May 2007 |
 On the Preakness Stakes undercard Saturday, Ramon Dominguez piloted Michael Matz trainee Chelokee to a dominant victory of at least three lengths in the first running of the $100,000 Barbaro Stakes. Chelokee is a son of Cherokee Run and races in the colors of Centennial Farms.
 Calvin Borel and Stonehouse took a fast-paced lead early, with Chelokee put on to press him from second. Chelokee was asked to overtake Stonehouse as the final turn approached, and responded gamely.
The race, formerly the Sir Barton, was renamed in honor of Barbaro, Matz's 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, whose career ended in a tragic injury the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.
In the winners circle, Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson presented the winning connections with the Barbaro Stakes trophy.
Third place in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, Chelokee was a heavy favorite for the Barbaro Stakes, and paid only $2.60 for $2 bet. The exacta was $7.40, with Silver Express and Zephyr Cat completing the trifecta.
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