Exfactor Fully Extended in Sugar Bowl
Stoneway Farm’s Exfactor returned from a layoff since winning Churchill’s Grade III Bashford Manor Stakes last July 2 to reach the winner’s circle once again in Saturday’s $60,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes – run as an overnight stakes this season.
Exfactor, trained by Bernie Flint, out-fought Willis Horton’s Laurie’s Rocket to pay $5 for his nose victory while touring the six furlongs in 1:11.78.
“I guess I didn’t waste $500 nominating him to the big races,” said Flint in the winner’s circle after the Sugar Bowl, referring to the Early Bird nomination fee this year’s $1 million Louisiana Derby on April 1. That $500 early bird nomination also encompasses nominations to the Grade III Lecomte Stakes Jan. 21 as well as the Grade II Risen Star Stakes Feb. 25.
SHAUN BRIDGMOHAN FIRST JOCKEY TO ENJOY 5-WIN DAY THIS SEASON
Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, Fair Grounds jockey champion for the 2009-2010 season, launched a serious bid to regain that title by becoming the first rider to enjoy a five-win afternoon this season at Fair Grounds on Saturday.
Bridgmohan won the third race on Barbara Serio’s All Her Due, the fifth on Mike McCarty’s Gentle Tap, the eighth on Martin Cherry’s Radiant Talent, the Blushing K. D. Handicap on Clark Brewster’s Cherokee Queen and the Sugar Bowl on Stoneway Farm’s Exfactor.