Wine Police locks up Churchill allowance

Grade 1 two-year-old and TDN Rising Star Wine Police returned to action in fine form, putting the cuffs on the field in the $59,796 feature allowance at Churchill Downs on June 24. [watch race]

Fresh off a layoff, and facing older horses for the first time, the chestnut was heavily favored by the crowd, and did not disappoint, collaring the pacesetter in upper stretch and striding to a 2 ¼ length triumph under Robby Albarado. Time for the 6 ½ furlongs over the main track was 1:16 2/5.

The 3-year-old son of Speightstown earned his Rising Star status off a stunning 7 ¾-length debut victory at Saratoga last summer over future Graded stakes winners Soldat and Santiva. Wine Police followed that effort with a third in the Hopeful S. (G1) behind Boys At Tosconova and Stay Thirsty.

Bred in Kentucky by John and Martha Jane Mulholland, Wine Police was sold for $190,000 at the Keeneland September Sale, and races now for Kirk and Judy Robison. Trained by Eclipse Award winner Steve Asmussen, he has compiled a record of 3-2-0-1 and $92,260.