While the Breeders' Cup World Championships simulcast from Santa Anita Park brought out many fans to Churchill Downs Nov. 3, the crowd also was treated to a thrilling renewal of the Chilukki Stakes (gr. II) where Brushed by a Star edged Joyful Victory after a duel through the stretch (VIDEO) .
"When you're at Churchill Downs you want to have Corey Lanerie in the saddle," said winning trainer Grant Forster. "He rode a great race and we were very lucky to beat (Joyful Victory)."
A 4-year-old daughter of Eddington , Team Forster's Brushed by a Star is enjoying her best season as the Chilukki marked her third stakes win this season following scores in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (gr. II) at Monmouth Park and the Iowa Distaff Stakes at Prairie Meadows.
"We're just ecstatic," Forster said after the win.
Brushed by a Star is to be offered at the Fasig-Tipton November sale Nov. 5.
Salty Strike was sent off as the 9-5 favorite off her victory in the Mari Hulman George Stakes at Hoosier Park, where she defeated Brushed by a Star. In the Chilukki, Salty Strike dueled between horses turning for home but Joyful Victory emerged from that battle in front. Joyful Victory was quickly engaged by Brushed by a Star and those two dueled to the wire.
Sent off at 6-1, Brushed by a Star completed the one-mile race for fillies and mares in 1:37. Salty Strike held third, 5 1/2 lengths behind the top two. Brushed by a Star returned $15.40 to win, $6.40 to place, and $3.80 to show. Joyful Victory returned $3.80 and $2.80 while Salty Strike returned $2.60 to show.
Brushed by a Star gets by Joyful Victory to win the Chilukki.
Reed Palmer Photography, Churchill Downs