Governmentshutdown Opens Up in Rollicking

Tim E. O’Donohue Racing LLC’s Governmentshutdown overcame early trouble to launch a strong stretch drive to victory in the $75,000 Rollicking Stakes over three other 2-year-olds.

The Rollicking was contested over the good main track and timed in 59.10 for the five-furlong distance. Jose Betancourt rode the gray son of Exchange Rate for trainer John Robb, who saddled Debt Ceiling for a victory in the 2013 Rollicking. Pret Say Eye finished second, 3 ¾ lengths behind the winner.  Hootenanny, the 3-5 favorite, was third and Royalty Sea trailed.

Governmentshutdown broke his maiden in his second lifetime start at Pimlico on May 3. He paid $4.60 as the second choice in the wagering.

ROLLICKING STAKES QUOTES

Winning Trainer John Robb (Governmentshutdown): “The race didn’t go as we planned but we got the finish we hoped for. Wesley Ward’s horse (Hootenanny) outran us from the gate and dropped over on us and made it real tight. He showed a lot of improvement from his first start to his second. The blinkers made a real difference. We’ll maybe try to go to the Bashford Manor (June 28) at Churchill Downs like we did last year with Debt Ceiling (2013 Rollicking winner). Debt Ceiling was definitely a sprinter, but I think this horse can go long.”

Winning Jockey Jose Betancourt (Governmentshutdown): “We didn’t have a picture perfect trip the way we wanted it, but he overcame a disastrous start. He impressed me today. We had to take back a little bit. That’s not where I wanted to be, but I was really impressed the way he overcame that. So far he’s been really impressive.”