Video of Maker’s Mark Mile and Post Race Interviews

 

Kip Deville returned from an almost six-month layoff Friday at Keeneland to win the $300,000, Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile for the second year in a row.

 

Making his first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Monmouth Park in October, the 5-year-old son of Kipling saved ground along the rail throughout the one-mile turf race to win by a length.

 

“This was all by design,” said winning trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr.  “We targeted this race after the Breeders’ Cup and at times things don’t work out the way you plan it, but ‘Kip’ made sure it worked out this time.”

 

Einstein (BRZ), winner of the Gulfstream Park Turf (G1) in late February, caught Thorn Song near the finish to be second by a head.  Thorn Song, who set the pace to the top of the stretch, held on for third in the field of 10 four-year-olds and up.

 

Cosmonaut finished fourth followed, in order, by Out of Control (BRZ), Shakis (IRE), Parading, Ruff and Ready, Zann and War Monger.

 

Kip Deville ran the distance in 1:36.78, improved his record to 10 wins in 22 starts and earned $186,000 for IEAH Stables, Pegasus Holding Group Stables, J. Roberts and A. and S. Cohen.  His earnings now total $2,620,422.

 

“It’s going to be trouble to get me to run him back until the Woodbine Mile (in September).  I just don’t want to grind him up over the summer in the hot weather,” continued Dutrow.  “I might just set on him for the Woodbine (Mile) and the race out in California (this year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile).”

 

Dutrow also is the trainer of Big Brown, winner of the Florida Derby (G1), who is one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby (G1).

 

The winner paid $6.20, $4.20 and $3.20 as the 2-1 favorite.  Einstein, ridden by Robby Albarado, returned $7 and $5 and Thorn Song, a 33-1 outsider, paid $11.20.