FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/15/09

LOCAL BOY MAKES GOOD IN PREP FOR $200,000 BUD SELECT CRADLE STAKES

Casey Chavez was only 11-years-old when he cared for Buckabye, who went on to win the $125,000 Governor's Buckeye Cup at River Downs in 1986. Buckabye was trained by his father Felix and exercised by his mother Penny. To this date, the Governor's Cup was the biggest race Casey Chavez had been a part of at River Downs, but now he may be invited to "the big dance" - the $200,000 Bud Select Cradle Stakes on Labor Day.

On Saturday, the now 34-year-old Chavez put in a flawless ride aboard Gleam of Hope in the $25,000 Bud Select Cradle Prep at River Downs. Trainer Tony Reinstedler gave Chavez instruction to relax his large chestnut colt in the early going and then let him run the final three furlongs. "It went just as planned," said Chavez who had just received heartfelt congratulations from his fellow riders. "He went easy and relaxed and when I asked him around the turn he just kicked in. He has a long fluid stride and seemed to relish the turf course and going around two turns. He'll be tough in the Cradle, no matter who shows up."

Talk about being born into a career. Both of Chavez's parents were jockeys as was his older brother Mark. His father now serves as the Clerk of Scales at River Downs, while both his mother and brother remain in the sport as exercise riders. "I've been in the game all my life," spoke Casey, who hails from Covington, Kentucky. "To win the Cradle at the track where I grew up, well there is no explaining how great that would feel."

By winning the Cradle Prep, owners Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Asbury will be able to supplement Gleam of Hope to the September 7 Cradle Stakes for only $3,000. The Prep was run at a mile on the turf course in a quick 1:35 3/5. The Bud Select Cradle Stakes for 2-year-olds is run at 1 1/16 miles on the grass.

Gleam of Hope was dismissed at odds of 8 to 1 and paid $19.20, $8.40 and $6.40. Eddie Set Go was clear for the second spot and returned $13.00 and $7.00, while William's Kitten had a show payoff of $2.80.

For more information or photos contact John C. Engelhardt, Director of Publicity (513) 354-8243 or johne@riverdowns.com