The Unstoppable Bango: A Master of Churchill Downs
As the dust settles on Bango’s triumphant defense of his Aristides Stakes title at Churchill Downs, it’s important not to overlook the remarkable fact that he is, without a doubt, a horse perfectly suited for the Twin Spires course. This victory, which saw him romp home with a comfortable 2 ½-length lead over Necker Island, marked his seventh win at Churchill Downs. This puts him in the esteemed company of just 26 other horses who have achieved a similar feat of at least seven wins under the Twin Spires. However, what sets Bango apart is his undeniable affinity for this hallowed racetrack.
The Elusive Seven-Win Club at Churchill Downs
Joining Hall of Famer Wise Dan, a two-time Horse of the Year, in this illustrious seven-win club is no small feat. Wise Dan accomplished this remarkable feat between 2010-2014, etching his name into the annals of racing history. Another notable member of this club is Ready’s Rocket, who holds Churchill Downs’ track record with an astonishing 11 victories spanning from 2005-2012.
Three horses, Herreno (1982-1987), Barrister Siv (1981-1984), and Can’t holdmeback (1980-1985), boast nine victories apiece. Another group of esteemed competitors, including Athenium (1991-1994), Bet On Sunshine (1995-2002), Canela (2005-2010), Crown Lease (1991-1995), Lord Rusty (1993-2000), Maxxed (1995-1998), and Paden (2014-2017), have each racked up eight victories at this legendary track.
The Enigmatic Bango: A Churchill Downs Specialist
Bango’s dominance at Churchill Downs is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Of his nine career wins, an impressive seven of them have come on this very track. In fact, a staggering 83% of his career earnings amounting to $559,915 out of a total of $675,545 have been amassed at Churchill Downs. It’s safe to say that Bango has truly found his groove under the Twin Spires, solidifying his status as a Churchill Downs specialist.
Bango’s Return to the Twin Spires
Trainer Greg Foley has alluded to the possibility of seeing Bango grace the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs once more. With the Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes, a 6 ½-furlong sprint, slated for July 2, Bango has a chance to join the revered list of eight-win legends at this iconic racecourse. As the defending champion of the Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes, Bango will have the opportunity to further cement his legacy at Churchill Downs.
“He loves it here at Churchill Downs almost as much as we do,” trainer Greg Foley remarked with palpable enthusiasm. “We’ll try and run him once more before the meet is over,” he added.
Aristides Stakes: Bango’s Marvelous Back-to-Back Triumph
Let’s not forget the stunning display of Bango’s prowess in the Aristides Stakes, where he clinched a remarkable back-to-back victory. Only two other horses have managed such a feat in the history of the Aristides Stakes, with Alsvid emerging victorious in 2015-2016. Surprisingly, despite this notable achievement, Bango’s odds were underestimated by the betting public. Perhaps due to his relatively lackluster performance in his 2022 debut, where he finished a distant fourth in the St. Matthews Overnight Stakes on May 4, Bango found himself positioned as the sixth choice in the eight-horse Aristides field. As a result, punters could have backing him at enticing odds of 10/1, ultimately rewarding those who believed in Bango’s prowess with a substantial win payout of $22.20.
“He needed that last race off the layoff (six months), and I guess they (bettors) forgot how much he loves it here,” Foley quipped wryly in the aftermath of the race.
Conclusion
Bango’s incredible success at Churchill Downs speaks volumes about his undeniable affinity for this iconic racetrack. With his seventh victory under the Twin Spires secured in the Aristides Stakes, Bango has firmly established himself as a true master of this hallowed course. While joining the ranks of the seven-win club is a commendable feat, Bango’s dominance at Churchill Downs sets him apart from the rest. As the next chapter of his racing journey unfolds, we eagerly await the opportunity to witness Bango’s triumphant return to the Twin Spires and, perhaps, witness him etch his name alongside the illustrious eight-win legends who have graced this legendary track.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many wins does Bango have at Churchill Downs?
Bango has accumulated an impressive seven victories at Churchill Downs, showcasing his exceptional prowess at this iconic racetrack.
2. Which renowned horses have achieved seven wins at Churchill Downs?
Bango is now among the esteemed company of only 26 other horses who have achieved the remarkable feat of at least seven wins under the Twin Spires. This list includes notable names such as Wise Dan, a Hall of Famer and two-time Horse of the Year, and Ready’s Rocket, who holds Churchill Downs’ track record with a staggering 11 victories.
3. What is Bango’s next race at Churchill Downs?
Bango’s next potential appearance at Churchill Downs is in the July 2 Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes, a 6 ½-furlong sprint. As the defending champion of this race, Bango has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy at Churchill Downs.
4. How much of Bango’s career earnings have been amassed at Churchill Downs?
An impressive 83% of Bango’s career earnings, totaling $559,915 out of a cumulative $675,545, have been garnered at Churchill Downs. This statistic underscores his undeniable prowess and affinity for this legendary racetrack.
5. How much did Bango pay to win in the Aristides Stakes?
Bango’s victory in the Aristides Stakes, where he triumphed with a 2 ½-length lead over Necker Island, rewarded bettors who had faith in his abilities with generous odds of 10/1. This translated to a sizeable win payout of $22.20.
