Botox Katie and Santo Sanjur were not even part of the conversation in the pre-race analysis, but they certainly became the headline story at the end.
The duo scored the upset in the 20th running of the $100,000 Shelby County Wednesday at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville.
Botox Katie began her six-furlong sprint from post two and was in last place as Forever Noted and Fernando De La Cruz and Betcha with DeShawn Parker aboard held down the top spots. Belle Bolle and Malcolm Franklin were also in the early mix with a swift pace setting up.
Horses began to make their move in the turn as the leaders held on gamely to their advantage. Botox Katie was behind the outer flow of traffic.
In the stretch, Botox Katie moved into contention and was fourth as Bella Bolle took control of the lead. Once she had clearance, the six-year-old kicked into a closing gear that drove her right past Bella Bolle for the win by one and one-quarter lengths. Liv Evie and Rodney Prescott closed in for third.
“There was a lot of speed in this race, so we just wanted to let the speed go because I knew she (Botox Katie) has a kick,” said Sanjur. “We wanted to get away from the break as well as we could and play it by ear from there. The race set up perfectly for her and when she came out, she was running.”
Botox Katie lit up the tote board, paying $185 for the win. The daughter of Domestic Dispute is owned by Thirstyacres Racing LLC and trained by owner Tianna Richardville. The mare was bred and raised by Richardville, who owns a farm complete with a breeding operation in Shelbyville, just minutes from Horseshoe Indianapolis.
She (Botox Katie) is a pretty special mare to us,” said Richardville. “She didn’t even start racing until she was five (last year). She had a slight tendon problem and we turned her out at three. She had a great year last year and proved just giving her the time she needed paid off.”
Botox Katie earned her first win of 2023 and her fourth overall. She now has more than $160,000 on her card in only two years of racing. It was the first time Sanjur had been aboard the mare in a race.
“I thought she needed a couple races to get fit this year,” said Richardville. “She ran well for us last year and had a good year, making almost $100,000. Santo was actually supposed to ride her in her last race, but he was sick that day and we had to make a rider change. Santo has been breezing her in the mornings. I thought she would be better running longer, but she ran a great race today. This is so exciting to get this win today.”
William Henry Harrison
Manuelito and Josh Morales used every bit of the six furlongs in the 20th running of the $100,000 William Henry Harrison Wednesday. The five-year-old was in full gear as he chased down the leaders in the stretch to score the victory, his first win of 2023 and the first career premier racing win for Morales.
Manuelito (photo, center) was in the center of the gate when it sprung open and just as expected, several speed horses headed out to the lead. Mr Chaos had the early advantage inside, joined by Tay and Alberto Burgos on the outside through the early stages of the sprint.
Around the turn, Too Bad Justice and Joe Ramos began moving up to challenge with Manuelito waiting patiently for the stretch before advancing.
In the stretch, Manuelito moved widest of all and had a straight shot to the finish line. He passed a few horses and appeared to take a breather before hitting yet another gear, striding out for the win by a neck over Mr Chaos. Tay finished third.
“He was very good at the break, and we knew there was a lot of speed, so we just took our time,” said Morales. “He came up on the outside and it probably looked like he stalled a little, but he just has a habit of staying with the horses. I had a lot of horse at that point and knew he had a lot left.”
Manuelito paid $22.40 for the win. The five-year-old son of Majestic Harbor is owned by Haran Thoroughbreds. Trainer John Haran purchased the Indiana-sired gelding as a yearling from the ITOBA Fall Sale for $3,800 from breeder Dawn Martin. He now has more than $270,000 on his card with four career wins.
Morales has ridden him to victory in three of his four career wins, but the win in the William Henry Harrison was the first time the two connected this season.
“I can see a big difference in him this year,” added Morales. “He’s a lot more mature and a lot more focused. I get on him a lot in the mornings and I can really see a difference.”
Morales and his wife, Sharien, live year-round in Shelbyville. Their son, Owenne, just completed first grade at Coulston Elementary School.
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