Churchill: Wolfie's Dynaghost makes 1st start for Lynch

Wolfie’s Dynaghost, a 12-time winner for owner-breeder Woodslane Farm, is set to make his first start with trainer Brian Lynch on Saturday when he faces a solid field of classy turf specialists entered in the Grade 3, $300,000 River City at Churchill Downs.

Most recently in the care of Jonathan Thomas, Wolfie’s Dynaghost brings a versatile resumé to the River City, which includes victories in the 2023 Autumn Stakes (G2) at Woodbine along with the Kentucky Cup Classic and Prairie Bayou at Turfway Park.

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“He came over to us in great order,” Lynch said. “Jonathan’s obviously kept him in top form, so we’re excited to run him for the first time under our care. Hopefully we can do as good a job as Jonathan’s done with him. Since we both train for the same owners, they asked if I’d take him to go back south. This race came up here, and he’s been training like he’s on top of his game. The water’s a little deeper than what he’s been running in, but he’s a lovely, classy old horse and we’re looking forward to see what he can do.”

Wolfie’s Dynaghost drew post 5 in the 1 1/8-mile turf contest under jockey Luis Saez.

“Looking at the race, he’s definitely a speed horse and he’s shown he can win on the lead,” Lynch continued. “There’s a bit of speed in there but we won’t take his game away from him. If he breaks well, we’ll let Luis put him wherever he’s comfortable and see how it plays out.”

Epic Ride was scheduled to run Friday at Churchill Downs in a turf allowance contest and will bypass Saturday’s River City. In that same allowance race, Quatrocento was scratched Friday in favor of the River City.

Jockey agent Ron Anderson reported to Thoroughbred Daily News’ Bill Finley that Frankie Dettori will not be aboard Lagynos in Saturday’s race. Dettori announced his retirement from North American riding after last week’s Breeders’ Cup. Dettori stated he’ll ride in South America in early 2026 then join AMO Racing as a global brand ambassador.