Lukas Classic at Churchill holds extra meaning for Maker

Saturday’s Grade 2, $500,000 Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs will take on added meaning for trainer Mike Maker as he sends out Willy D’s in the race named for his former boss and mentor D. Wayne Lukas, who passed away three months ago at age 89.

Willy D’s, a former $50,000 claim, has climbed the ranks into graded stakes company since joining the Maker barn in March. Formerly trained by Greg Compton, the 4-year-old gelding won the Michael G. Schaefer Memorial at Horseshoe Indianapolis this summer before finishing second to Banishing in the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) on Aug. 22.

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“Just like Wayne always said, ‘You can’t win it if you’re not in it,’” Maker said. “That’s why we’re here, and I think we’ve got a shot against a pretty solid field.”

Owned in partnership by Paradise Farms and Case Chambers, Willy D’s was cross-entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Woodward Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct but Maker opted to keep the horse at Churchill Downs.

Saturday’s 12th renewal of the Lukas Classic will carry special significance with the recent passing of Lukas. His widow, Laurie Lukas, will present the trophy to the winning connections.

“Wayne was like a father figure to me,” Maker said. “Horse racing lost its icon a few months ago.”

The 1 1/8-mile Lukas Classic is headlined by Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Hit Show and the aforementioned Banishing, who has won stakes contests at distances around one, two and three turns.

The Lukas Classic was renamed in honor of Lukas in 2015. Formerly known as the Homecoming Classic, the winners of the race include 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Fort Larned, 2021 horse of the year Knicks Go and last year’s winner Hit Show, who won the Dubai World Cup in April.