Bound for Nowhere draws clear in Kentucky Downs' Tourist Mile
Owned and trained by Wesley Ward, Bound for Nowhere bounced right back from his Royal Ascot placing to win the $750,000 Tourist Mile Saturday at Kentucky Downs.
“I’ve always wanted to stretch him out, always thought he was a miler,” Ward said of the successful turf sprinter. “He’s a big colt, rangy guy, got big airway, has no issues, no problems. It’s just he’s so good at sprinting.
“When he ran at Ascot and ran so well, this was the race we were pointing for all along. But the closer we got to it, the more I was second-guessing where I would go. But thanks to Julio and the team I have, we all got together and made a decision and it turned out right.”
In the Tourist Mile, Bound for Nowhere sat off the pace of longshot Great Wide Open. Following in line was Mr Cub, favored Mr. Misunderstood, Camelot Kitten, Bandar and Krampus. Rounding the sweeping turn of the European-style turf course, Bound for Nowhere and jockey Julio Garcia ran down a determined Great Wide Open to finish the mile in 1:40.97, winning by a length.
“He
may have been even a little short today, though fresh and ready to go and the
adrenaline kind of pushed him on home,” Ward said.
“He
should be better next time.”
Following Great Wide Open was Mr. Misunderstood, Krampus, Bandar, Mr Cub and Camelot Kitten.
Formerly the More Than Ready Mile, the Tourist Mile first ran under its new name in 2017 to honor 2016 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Tourist, who won the 2015 More Than Ready Mile.
It was the fifth win in eight starts for Bound for Nowhere, with all five victories coming in Kentucky. Ward is eyeing another start in Kentucky for the son of The Factor, with the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile run Oct. 6 at Keeneland.