Baby Talk Info & Intel: Churchill Downs – Race 2 – Thursday, June 12, 2025
Eight runners are signed up for this five and a half furlong dirt affair. One filly will take on the boys. First-Crop sire Charlatan has two representatives. Independence Hall also has one set to compete. Top sires, Not This Time, Violence, and Tiz The Law have one runner each. One colt has two races under his belt – the others will be making their afternoon debuts. Let’s analyse this event…
#1 Southeastern (5/2) – The first one from Charlatan is a colt who is trained by the hometown hero, Brad Cox (2/16, 12.5%). Mom is by Street Sense and she was two for eight on the track with both victories coming at Saratoga in her juvenile season (a MSW race and a stakes event). She ended with $158K in earnings, and this is her first foal. After selling for $275K as a yearling last year (32/106), she was pinhooked back and sold earlier this year as a 2YO for $660K (1/36). Cox has been getting her ready for today’s first race with a half dozen drills (24 furlongs) in Lexington at Keeneland, including a 5/8th mile spin on 5/29/25. From the two videos that I could watch, he didn’t seem to gallop out overly well. Saez will get the leg up.
#5 Curtain Call (3/1) – Mark Casse (5/46, 10.9%) trains this Florida-bred firster by Tiz the Law. He comes from an unraced Into Mischief mare that has thrown three other foals of racing age – one scored as a juvey at Finger Lakes. The hammer fell on today’s runner as a yearling for $115K (22/105), and then was again sold, this time to West Point Thoroughbreds as a 2YO, for $325K (11/32). After one initial breeze at Casse’s Training center, he’s worked four more times – two at KEE and his most recent pair at CD – all at a half mile (20 furlongs total). Last out, on 5/31/25, she motored around in 47.6 seconds from the gate (12/155), however, he did receive encouragement at the beginning and end from his rider. Jose will be in charge on top of this colt.
#6 She’s on a Roll (2/1) – The Morning Line favorite is the lone filly in the race, and she comes from the Wesley Ward barn (15.4%) - her sire is also Charlatan. Her dam won north of half a million dollars going seven for 34, including a score at the Grade 3 level. She’s tossed two other foals of racing age. Today’s runner sold as a weanling for $280K (5/19) before being wheeled back last year as a yearling for $250K (37/106). Six Keeneland drills (22 furlongs) have been her prep for her first start. On 4/29/25, she earned a bullet zipping three panels in 35.2 seconds (1/42), and she galloped out strong. Last out, on 6/2/25, she went a half mile in 47.8 seconds (7/29). The reins will be managed by Johnny V.
My Pick – We’ve certainly got three very interesting firsters competing in this affair. Although Cox and M. Casse have historically not had huge success here under the Twin Spires with babies in the spring, their charges are hard not to select. Additionally, Asmussen has two entered. But my pick is #6 She’s on a Roll. Charlatan’s offspring have been off to a great start (two starters, two winners), and her momma could flat run. She’s been working nicely, so let’s see if we can get her into the Winner’s Circle.