Churchill Downs news: Romans eyes Breeders' Cup for talented duo

There were 145 horses on Saturday’s work tab at Churchill Downs that included possible Breeders’ Cup contenders Promises Fulfilled and Mr Freeze for trainer Dale Romans.

“It was like murderer’s row after the break with all of the stakes horses,” Romans life partner and exercise rider Tammy Fox said. 

One of the nation’s top sprinters, Bob Baron’s Promises Fulfilled, returned to the work tab with a half-mile move in :48.20 following his 1 ¼-length win in the H. Allen Jerkens Stakes (Grade I) at Saratoga.

“We’re getting ready for the Breeders’ Cup,” Romans said. “We’ll have to see what spot we go in, either the Sprint or Dirt Mile, but it was a great work today.”

Working in the set after Promises Fulfilled was late-blooming 3-year-old Mr Freeze, who clipped through five furlongs in 1:00.40. The West Virginia Derby (G3) winner is preparing for a start in the Sept. 22 Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing. The colt is also a possible contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Romans said.

MENA BACK WORKING HORSES – It has been a welcomed sight for many horsemen and jockeys on the backstretch of Churchill Downs as journeyman rider Miguel Mena returned on horseback after fracturing eight bones in his right ankle and heel six months ago.

“It feels great to be back on horses and here at the track each morning,” Mena said. “I’m not quite ready to get back to riding races but I hope to be ready soon. The doctors originally told me I’d be out six-to-eight months and November would be right at eight months. I feel good and my ankle is getting stronger every day.”

Mena was injured March 15 at Fair Grounds when his mount clipped heels in the stretch run of a $5,000 claiming event. 

A winner of 1,844 races in his 16-year career, Mena has already breezed several horses at Churchill Downs including Risen Star (G2) winner and Travers (G1) third Bravazo for D. Wayne Lukas. 

“It amazes me how much bigger and stronger he’s gotten since the last time I was on him,” Mena said.

he 31-year-old Peruvian hopes to return to the races in the next month.

DOWN THE STRETCH – Friday’s kick off of the September Meet featured a different jockey and trainer winning every race. “Well, I guess I’m tied for leading trainer,” veteran conditioner Rick Hiles joked following Rose of Malibu’s win in Race 6. … The podcast of ‘Inside Churchill Downs’ that aired Friday with trainers Ignacio Correas IV and Chad Summers along with private clocker and bloodstock agent Brandon Stauble is available at: https://bit.ly/2Opccsa.