Mr. Misunderstood looks to be 'his old self' in 2019 debut

Flurry Racing Stables’ multiple graded stakes winner Mr. Misunderstood is set to return from a seven-month layoff in a $104,000 conditioned allowance contest Thursday at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Brad Cox, Mr. Misunderstood has not raced since his gutsy half-length score in the Nov. 17 River City Handicap (G3) at Churchill Downs. The 5-year-old gelded son of Archarcharch is a perfect 4-for-4 over the Matt Winn Turf Course at Churchill Downs.

“This will be a good spot to get him back started this year,” owner Staton Flurry said. “We hope he returns to his old self and this race will kick start his year.”

Named after the Eric Church hit song and album, Mr. Misunderstood originally was listed as a possible entrant to defend his title in the Wise Dan (G2) last Saturday, but Cox opted for this spot instead.

Mr. Misunderstood, who has been regularly training at Churchill Downs since April, breezed an easy half-mile in :50.20 Saturday at 5:30 a.m. under the watchful eye of assistant trainer Jorje Abrego.

“That’s exactly the work we were looking for,” Abrego said. “Nice and easy. He’s ready to run.”

First post Thursday is 5 p.m. ET and Mr. Misunderstood will head to the gate in Race 2, at 1 1/8 miles on grass, at 5:29 p.m. The field of six older horses, plus one main track only contender, includes Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s five-time winner Soglio and Mr. Misunderstood's stablemate, the Steve Landers Racing stable stakes winner Big Changes. 

Mr. Misunderstood is listed at 4-5 on the morning line and will be ridden by Florent Geroux.