Country Boy 123 repeats in Bradford Stakes

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 6, 2020) – Country Boy 123 powered home to retain his title in the 22nd running of the $59,600 Bradford Stakes at Indiana Grand Monday, July 6. Guided by L. D. “Danny” Martinez, the veteran gelding now has 23 career wins in 37 career starts and in excess of $386,000 for owner Ruth Barbour.

Country Boy 123 was the last one in the gate and broke well for the 400-yard dash. The Country Chicks Man gelding was in contention early, but the latter strides of a race is where he shines, stretching out to a one-length advantage at the wire in :19.862 seconds. WRs Valentino and Sammy Mendez finished second, just a head in front of Hooked on Jordan and Cristian Reyes for third.

“I generally don’t like to see a horse as the last one in the gate because they don’t have time to settle, but Ray (Kuwik) and our gate crew do an outstanding job here,” noted Trainer Tony Cunningham. “Ray did a good job letting everybody get set. We really appreciate the gate crew we have here.”

Country Boy 123 was the second choice on the board, paying $7.20 to win. Since winning the Bradford Stakes last year, he has won four races in six starts, just missing the title in the $86,000 Indiana Championships last fall at Indiana Grand.

“We’ve had a little more time this time to get him ready,” noted Cunningham. “He’s run here a few times under the lights in the past, and he’s not used to that. He doesn’t normally run under the lights, so I think that plays into it. But he showed up today and I’m really happy for Ruth (Barbour).”

Barbour handles the training duties for the horse when he is in Canada where he races at Ajax Downs near Toronto. She generally will make the trip down to Indiana to watch “CB” race, but this year was a little different. She had to watch the televised version of the race as her horse won his 10th career stakes race.

“Right now, Ruth is on a 14-day quarantine if they come across the border, so she wasn’t able to come down and watch him,” added Cunningham. “This horse is such a pleasure to be around and our guys have done a great job with him. Ruth knows that, too. This horse means a lot to her.”

Photos by Coady Photography