Scatman, who has raced extensively on dirt, synthetic, and turf in his 16-race career, found Churchill Downs’ sloppy, sealed surface to his liking June 1 as he scampered home to win the $106,800 Aristides Stakes (gr. III) over four foes (VIDEO) .
Four-year-old Scatman scored his first stakes victory and broke a personal five-race losing streak since an allowance/optional claimer going one mile in an off-the-turf contest under the Twin Spires last November.
The Kentucky-bred son of Scat Daddy races as a homebred for JEOG Racing. He was on the Triple Crown trail last year, finishing third in the Rebel Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park before an off-the-board effort in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I).
After three stakes tries last winter proved fruitless, Scatman has recovered his mojo, running third in a pair of allowance heats this spring for conditioner Bill Mott.
Under Shaun Bridgmohan, Scatman settled off the Aristides pace set by defending race winner Rothko and Jasizzle, who raced a head apart through an opening quarter in :22.04 and half in :45.25.
That pair was still neck and neck turning into the stretch, but Scatman moved outside them on the turn and eventually grinded past them to score by a neck in 1:10.56 for the six furlongs. Jasizzle held second by 2 1/4 lengths over Rothko. Good Lord and St. Maximus Gato completed the order of finish.
Out of the Grand Slam mare Hit It Here Cafe, Scatman returned $9, $4.20, and $2.80 as the fourth-choice. Jasizzle paid $3.80 and $2.80 while Rothko was good for $2.40. The $2 exacta paid $30.80.
Scatman has now won five of 16 lifetime starts and $314,939.
