Unbeaten Champali in Strong Churchill Drill

Lloyd Madison Farms LLC's Champali, the unbeaten winner of the Iroquois (gr. III), tuned up for a scheduled run in the Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II) with a strong five furlong work Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Jockey Craig Perret was in the saddle as the son of Glitterman breezed the distance in 1:00.80 over a "fast" track. The work was the fifth-fastest of 24 at the distance and trainer Greg Foley said Champali has moved forward since his Iroquois win.

"He came out of that race in good shape," said Foley. "I'm very happy with him. If I can keep him for another week like he's doing right now, we should be okay."

Champali won the Iroquois by 1-1/4 length and figures to be one of the favorites in the Kentucky Jockey Club, but Foley finds himself in the unusual position of looking for a rider for his colt. Pat Day rode Champali in the Iroquois, but he is scheduled to be at Hollywood Park next Saturday to ride Firecracker Breeders' Cup (gr. IIT) winner Good Journey in the Citation Handicap (gr. IIT).

The Iroquois was Foley's first stakes win at Churchill Downs, but he has teamed with Day for many victories over the years. He admits that the prospect of Day's absence makes him a bit uncomfortable.

"We haven't decided really yet who we're going to get," he said. "I'd feel a whole lot better if he was here, but the horse is training good and I'm sure whoever we get will ride him fine. There are some good riders here, but we've been awful lucky with (Day)."

Champali has earned $118,938 in his three victories.