Donna Getyourgun Fires at Churchill

Sigi Racing’s Donna Getyourgun overtook the lead from Diamond F Racing’s Costly inside the eighth pole and was able to hold off that foe to win the $57,121 Thursday afternoon feature at Churchill Downs by a nose.

Donna Getyourgun, who was making her first start since April of last year, was well-held in sixth in the field of seven before circling five wide and chasing down a very stubborn Costly. Trained by Ian Wilkes and ridden by Calvin Borel, the 4-year-old daughter of Stormy Atlantic covered the five furlongs on a firm Matt Winn Turf Course in :56.72.

Donna Getyourgun left the gate as the 9-2 third choice and returned mutuels of $11.80, $5.40 and $4. The Michael Tomlinson-trained Costly returned $4.20 and $3.40, with Mississippi Martini more than three lengths back in third returning $4.20. Ronny Werner’s Scintillation, the 3-2 favorite, finished fourth after breaking awkwardly from the gate.    

The victory was worth $34,740 and increased Donna Getyourgun’s bankroll to $96,680 with a record of 3-1-0 from six starts. 

Racing continues Friday at 2:45 p.m. EDT with the final twilight racing program of the meet before “Downs After Dark” night racing returns with a 6 p.m. first post for the final three Fridays on June 17, June 24 and July 1. Friday’s card will be highlighted by a four-day Pick 6 carryover of $14,651. The Pick 6 begins with race six at 5:22 p.m.