Aussie Power at Churchill Downs

Australian sprinter Power Alert continued his winning form in the USA with a course-record victory in the G3 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (1000m) at Churchill Downs on Friday.

Ridden by Julien Leparoux for trainer Brian Lynch, Power Alert duelled for the lead before taking command to clock 55.17s.  The previous record of 55.45s was set by Silver Timber in 2010.

“He was sharp at Keeneland this week and was on his game today,” Lynch said.  “The way the track was playing, I thought he would have to be close to the lead.”

The Group 3 sprint on the Kentucky Oaks undercard has another Aussie sprinter on the record books.  Encosta de Lago stallion Man Of Illusion had a stint in the States in 2006 and he is currently based at Stewart Park in Queensland.

Power Alert (5g Alert – Gold Locket by Lochrae) won his USA debut in December and then stepped up to claim the LR Silks Run Stakes at Gulfstream Park.  He had won the 2013 Wellington Boot for owner-breeders Jim and Alba Power but was barred after a second bleeding infringement in March 2014.

His sire Alert (Arg) stands at Kooringal Stud in Wagga.

Power Alert 2 resizePOWER ALERT