Day Rides Forty Niner to 5-Length Win at Keeneland

Pat Day got a different look at Forty Niner in Keeneland’s opening-day Lafayette Stakes Friday.

It was from the saddle as Day guided the Mr. Prospector colt to an easy 5-length victory in the $50,000-added race over 7 furlongs.

“It’s the first time I’ve been on him,” said Day, who replaced Eddie Maple on the chestnut colt. “I’ve chased him on a few occasions. I enjoyed the view better this time.”

Forty Niner, owned by Claiborne Farm and trained by Woody Stephens, went to the lead after Buoy jumped a shadow entering the stretch and was in command the rest of the way, while covering the distance in 1:22.

Buoy, ridden by Craig Perret, finished second, while Randy Romero brought Aloha Prospector in third.

Stephens, who plans to run Forty Niner in the Lexington Stakes April 16 at Keeneland in his final tuneup for the Kentucky Derby, said he was pleased with the colt’s effort.

“I wanted to ease him back,” Stephens said. “He’s done most everything right. He’s run four times this year, and he’s been in the money every time.”

Stephens said he used the 7-furlong race, rather than going a longer distance, in prepping for the 1-mile Derby “to get him off the pace, and I want to teach this horse to rate.”

Forty Niner returned $3, $2.40 and $2.20; Buoy paid $4.60 and $3, and Aloha Prospector paid $2.80. Forty Niner ran his career record to 7 victories in 10 starts.

Firery Ensign had been considered a threat to Forty Niner but finished fourth after running sixth most of the race.