Paradise Creek Wins at Churchill Downs

Paradise Creek came on strong on the far turn and pulled away to a four-length victory over Lure, the 1-5 favorite, in the $233,950 Early Times Turf Classic at Churchill Downs Friday.

The Name’s Jimmy, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, set the pace through the three quarters of mile before Lure moved strong on the rail and Pat Day rode Paradise Creek down the middle in the 1 1/8-mile Grade II race.

Lure, under Mike Smith, appeared on target for his fifth consecutive stakes victory before Paradise Creek took command heading down the homestretch on a good track.

Paradise Creek, which had lost four previous races against Lure, finished in 1:48 1/5 in a steady drizzle.

Yukon Robbery, ridden by Kent Desmormeaux, finished 2 1/2 lengths back in third while Memento Mori was another 2 1/2 lengths in fourth in the seven-horse field.

Paradise Creek returned $8.60, $2.20 and $2.10. Lure paid $2.10 and $2.10 and Yukon Robbery $2.10.

Paradise Creek, a 5-year-old son of Irish River, came into the race with three consecutive stakes victories in Florida. He is owned by Masayuki Nishiyama and trained by Bill Mott.

The victory was worth $152,067 to Paradise Creek, bringing his career earnings to $1,098,709. His record is 10-5-0 in 18 career starts, including four wins without a loss this year.

Lure, which has won the last two Breeders’ Cup Mile races, was making only his second start of the year. He won the Grade II Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland on April 15.