Churchill Downs news: She's a Julie targets Fleur de Lis next

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen reported Friday on the “Inside Churchill Downs” radio show that La Troienne (G1) winner She’s a Julie is pointing toward the Grade 2, $250,000 Fleur de Lis on June 15 as her next start.

She’s a Julie rallied from just off the early pace to score a half-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile La Troienne under Ricardo Santana Jr. The victory marked her sixth win in 13 tries and boosted her earnings to $878,130.

“She’s always been a very special horse to us,” Asmussen said. “She’s named after my wife so it was a little extra special to get the victory in the La Troienne.”

The 4-year-old daughter of Elusive Quality has not finished worse than fourth since uniting with Asmussen's go-to jockey eight starts ago. 

“(Santana) is very much like me. We both really like to win,” Asmussen said. “He sometimes takes losing harder on himself than anything. He’s very aggressive and expects to win every time he goes out there. That’s all we can ever ask as trainers.”

She’s a Julie is scheduled to breeze Sunday or Monday at Churchill Downs.

The 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis is a “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 2. Nominations for the Fleur de Lis close June 1.

WORK TAB – Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress breezed an easy half-mile in :49.40 at 6:45 a.m. Saturday. Trained by Tom Amoss, Serengeti Empress worked through opening fractions of :12.60 and :25 before galloping out five furlongs in 1:02.20 and six furlongs in 1:15.60, according to Churchill Downs’ clocker John Nichols. Serengeti Empress is targeting the June 8 Acorn (G1) at Belmont Park. … One of the likely rivals to Serengeti Empress in the Acorn is Eight Belles (G2) runner-up Bell’s the One, who worked a bullet five furlongs in 1:00 for trainer Neil Pessin. … Pat Day Mile (G3) third-place finisher Dream Maker worked a half-mile in :48.80. The son of Tapit could run next in the $150,000 Matt Winn (G3) on June 15, according to assistant trainer Allen Hardy.  

DOWN THE STRETCH – The 20-cent Single 6 Jackpot was hit Friday for a substantial $355,780. The jackpot will start from scratch in Race 6 Saturday. … Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s assistant, Kenny McCarthy, reported “all is well” with Kentucky Derby winner Country House, who trained at 6:45 a.m. Saturday. The colt’s next race plans remain in flux