Busy Morning at Churchill for Casse

It was a busy Saturday morning at trainer Mark Casse’s barn at Churchill Downs as three horses prepping for Stephen Foster Handicap Night on June 15 breezed around the Louisville oval prior to the renovation break while the track was rated “good.”

 

Funny Proposition was one of the first horses on the track and breezed four furlongs in :50.20 under Shaun Bridgmohan. A dominant allowance winner at Churchill Downs on May 17, Funny Proposition is being pointed toward the $175,000-added Fleur de Lis (GII) and likely will face defending champ Royal Delta.

 

“We wanted to go slow because she just ran a career-best race,” assistant trainer Norman Casse said. “She went a nice and easy half-mile, which is not easy to do with her because she’s very head strong. We took her to the pole with the pony and got her to slow down nice and then she finished strong.

 

“We knew there was a likelihood Royal Delta was going to run and obviously we have a lot of respect for her. We’ll take our chances. (Royal Delta) is coming off a little bit of a layoff and our horse is undefeated on the main track at Churchill. It’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

 

Uncaptured, 2012 Horse of the Year in Canada, breezed next and went five furlongs in 1:01.40 while working in company with Dynamical. Guided by Miguel Mena, Uncaptured galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and seven-eighths in 1:28. Winner of the Iroquois (GIII) and Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) as a juvenile, Uncaptured is being pointed toward the $100,000-added Matt Winn (GIII).

 

“He worked really well,” Casse said. “Typically, we like to have a strong work two weeks out to see where we’re at with a horse and he worked as well as I’ve seen him work. It was an exciting work to watch.”

 

Last of the trio to breeze was Pool Play, who will seek his second victory in the $500,000-added Stephen Foster Handicap (GI). Working under Mena, Pool Play breezed five furlongs in 1:02.80.

 

“He worked really well, but more importantly he galloped out very strong,” Casse said. “Everything is on track with him.”