First off the shelf for his new interests, Di Bug would not only return the investment placed in him back in April, but would also get a ten percent interest added as well.

• Day Mile Stakes- Grade III Purse $400.000
• Churchill Downs- For Three Year Olds.
• One Mile – Main track Dirt
• May 4th, 2019

Just like Residue in this years Grade I CD Stakes, Di Bug would find himself in a new barn in April, and a month later be bringing home a top Derby day title for his trainer John Henry. The victory is now his third stakes win, and his second Graded company title after winning the Grade III Hope Stakes at DMR last season.

At the very outset of the race as the gates swung open, Salar De Uyuni ( Mb Stables ) and Gun Down ( South Beach Racing ) would break cleanly from there outside post and charge to the frontend with an opening fraction of 23.06. Di Bug was being restrained to the back of the field in eighth, some seven off the lead.

Entering the far turn, Gun Down was now off the frontrunner by a couple of lengths, fading back towards Cherokee Reward ( Estero Farms ) along the rail. The next pairing of Genuine Pleasure ( Nakamura Stables ) and Man Childe ( Our Athletes ) were battling four off the pace, with Scarlet Ninja ( Joshua Stables ) an additional length and a half back. Behind him would be Di Bug, Burning Approval ( Mb Stables ), Brief And Wonderous ( Fractious ), For The Boys ( D J C Racing Stables ) and outside runner Unfold ( Mb Stables )

With a half in 47.25 and a three quarter of 1:12.46, the field was starting to close the gap on Salar De Uyuni. Cherokee Reward had taken over second as Gun Down was fading backwards. Di Bug was joining the challengers in front of him.

Passing the sixteenth pole, and the event was now a five horse race to the wire. Di Bug was closing strong in the center of the track, just a length back. Duelling along the rail were Cherokee Reward and Scarlet Ninja, matching stride for stride, while Genuine Pleasure was pressing from the outside.

Di Bug would stop the timer at 1:40.14, with Scarlet Ninja back by three quarters of a length. A photo would have to determine who would take home the show money, with Salar De Uyuni getting a nose ahead of Cherokee Reward. Genuine Pleasure would round out the top five.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES