Almost Famous Set for Turf Debut in Jefferson Cup

Coming off a fourth-place effort in the $300,000 Smarty Jones (Grade III) at Parx, Chuck and Maribeth Sandford LLC’s Almost Famous will make his turf debut in Saturday’s $100,000-added Jefferson Cup (GIII) at Churchill Downs, according to trainer Pat Byrne

 

“He’s been doing great,” Byrne said. “Unfortunately we haven’t been able to work him on the turf, but he has two siblings that have both won on turf, so we’re hoping he takes to it well.”

 

Prior to his Smarty Jones performance, Almost Famous placed third in the $300,000 Ohio Derby and third in the $109,400 Matt Winn (GIII).

 

“We thought about some other races, but with this one being restricted to 3-year-olds, we figured we’d take a shot,” Byrne said. “We’ll see how it goes. If he likes the grass he should be right there.”

 

Seven other 3-year-old colts were entered Sunday for the Jefferson Cup in Battlefront, Captain Dixie, Heart to Heart, Hesinfront, Speightsland, Sportscaster and Stormy Pacific.

 

While Hall of Fame jockey Calvin Borel has ridden Almost Famous in four of his five starts under the Twin Spires, Byrne said Joe Rocco Jr. would get the call for Saturday’s Jefferson Cup.

 

“I think we’re going to get Joe Rocco to ride him just to mix things up,” Byrne said. “He’s been on him once before so hopefully he can guide him to a win on Saturday.”

 

Source: Churchill Downs Communications