VINERY RACING SPIRAL STAKES

47TH RUNNING – MARCH 24, 2012 – TURFWAY PARK

TRAINER NOTES

William “Smiley” Adams won seven consecutive Spiral Stakes from 1977-1980. He won both divisions in 1977-78 and 1980. Adams, who won the 100th in 1975 with Master Derby, passed away in 2003.

Graham Motion won two of the past four Spiral’s with Animal Kingdom (2011, Ky. Derby winner) and Adriano (2008).

Other notables with 2+ Spiral victories: Mike Maker (Dean’s Kitten 2010, With a City 2006) Todd Pletcher (Flower Alley 2005, Balto Star 2001) Jerry Hollendorfer (Globalize 2000, Event of the Year 1998) D. Wayne Lukas (Serena’s Song 1995, Marfa 1983) Lynn Whiting (Lil E. Tee 1992, J. T.’s Pet 1987, At The Threshold 1984)

JOCKEY NOTES

Saturday’s race marks the 20th anniversary of Pat Day winning his record 5th and final Spiral aboard eventual winner Lil E. Tee. Day’s five wins came during a nine-year span (1984-1992).

A different jockey has won the Spiral each of the past 21 years.

Corey Nakatani is the only rider with a mount Saturday that has won this race in the past. Nakatani guided the filly Serena’s Song to a front-running score 1995. TOTEBOARD NOTES

The betting favorite last won the Spiral in 1998 (Event of the Year, 3/5).

The favorite is winless in each of the past 13 contests with just one second and two third-place finishes.

Double-digit winners won four straight renditions (2003-2006). The 2006 winner With a City paid 48-1.

The average $1 superfecta paid $26,561 in the 12 runnings that the bet was offered. Three of the supers paid over $40K for a dollar. The 2006 race was the topper paying $197,836. The top 4 finishers had odds of 48-1, 11-1, 15-1 and 10-1. Six 10-cent winning combinations were worth $19,783 each.

SPIRAL STAKES RECORDS

Biggest margin of victory – Bootlegger’s Pet (1973) 15 lengths; Five Star General (1978) 13 lengths; Balto Star (2001) 12¾ lengths.

Winners by state bred since 1991 – KY 14, PA 2, FLA 2, MA 1, ILL 1, VA 1.

Fastest time (synthetic only) – Hard Spun (2007), 1:49 2/5.

Last Spiral winner to win prior start at another racetrack – Flower Alley (2005); none since Synthetic surface introduced (2006).

Last Spiral winner to win his prior start at Turfway Park – Concerto (1997).

This information is provided by enthusiast and historian Gary Dougherty.

Dougherty has handicapped all 13,938 races held at Emerald Downs for The Seattle Times newspaper (1996-2011).

 Published a yearly statistical guide on racing at Emerald Downs (1996-2010).  Has chronicled every race run at Emerald Downs.  Designed and built a vast database on the Breeders’ Cup.  Covered all aspects of horse racing for The Seattle Times (1988-2011).  Contributes to HorsePlayer Magazine and equidaily.com.  Provides detailed statistical information on jockeys, trainers, horses and stakes coverage for the Emerald Downs Official Daily Program.

Dougherty was introduced to Horse Racing at in 1979 and developed a great passion for all aspects of the great game.

This stakes race service is available for most any stakes race in the country. Many other statistical features are also available.

Contact info: [email protected]. Phone: 206-276-4704. www.horseracingandseattlesports.wordpress.com.