BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Federal Judge made it clear to the opposing parties from the start in producing a commanding victory in the Grade 2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix at Keeneland Race Course Friday. In winning the Phoenix for owner WinStar Farm LLC and Siena Farm LLC, the Florida-bred gelding earned a “Win and You’re In” fees paid berth into the $2 million Cybergames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G2) to be run at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Nov. 2.
Breaking from post one with jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Federal Judge put a length on fellow Florida-bred Comedy Town and longshot Swirvin in a joint second during the initial strides before stretching his advantage to a length-and-a-quarter through a rapid :21.62 quarter mile. Comedy Town tried to get even with Federal Judge around the far turn but was unable to keep up turning for home after Federal Judge went the half-mile in :43.97. Federal Judge was three lengths clear past the furlong pole then cruised home to win by five-and-a-half lengths in 1:08.20 for six furlongs on the fast track.
Nakatomi, winner of the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap in July, rallied from sixth to get second, a half-length in front of Florida-bred Comedy Town in third. They were followed in order by Here Mi Song, My Buddy B, Manny Wah and Swirvin.
“He made it look simple. He broke very well today,” Prat said. “I was a little worried with the one [post position] but he broke sharp and got himself into the race and did the rest.
“I thought he was going at a good clip but he was doing it the right way,” Prat said referring the quick fractions. “So I thought he was comfortable.”
Federal Judge paid $5.48 to win as the 8-5 second choice behind even-money favorite Nakatomi.
Federal Judge debuted last year as a 3-year-old, winning a maiden special weight at Oaklawn Park in April before taking a first level, $100,000 optional claiming at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard on May 6. He was then fourth in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens won by Arabian Lion at Belmont Park in June in his last start of the year.
He returned under trainer Brad Cox at Saratoga in July, finishing second to Full Screen in a second condition, $62,500 optional claiming going six furlongs. He then romped under the same conditions, winning by six lengths on Aug. 31 at Saratoga.
“We loved him all along,” WinStar President and CEO Elliott Walden said. “He needed a little break. He’s such a beautiful horse and he got real big on us so we gelded him [in April] to lighten him up and it really did the trick.”
When asked if the Breeders’ Cup Sprint was next, Walden replied with enthusiasm.
“I hope so. We’re excited.”
Federal Judge has now won four of six career starts with a second. The $181,350 first-place check increased his earnings to $402,960.
Bred in Florida by Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm in Morriston, Federal Judge is by Army Mule out of Congarette, by Congaree. Federal Judge is the only starter from five foals for Congarette. She has an unraced 2-year-old filly, Red Velvet Cake, by Lord Nelson; an unnamed yearling colt by Raging Bull (Fr) and a weanling full sister to Federal Judge. Congarette was purchased by Catherine Perez at the 2013 Ocala Breeders’ Sales August Yearling Sale for $7,000. She raced for Caperlane Farm, winning two of 13 career starts, earning $94,040.