Al and Bill Ulwelling have been making waves at Fair Grounds recently.
Their Canadian-bred filly, Pennick, has been on a winning streak. Additionally, their Prince of Wales Stakes champion, Velocitor, impressed by triumphing in an allowance/optional claiming race at 1 mile and 70 yards, against the odds at 16-to-1. Bred in Ontario by the Ulwellings themselves, Velocitor tackled his second traditional dirt track challenge with finesse, after his maiden dirt outing during the 'Wales. He expertly paced himself, engaged in a thrilling stretch duel and clinched victory by a neck in a three-horse photo finish, all under the skilled guidance of jockey David Cohen. Gary Scherer manages the Ulwellings' stable at Fair Grounds, while Kevin Attard oversees their Woodbine string.
Velocitor's remarkable performance clocked in at a swift 1:42.34, earning him a career-best 94 Beyer Speed Figure, as reported by the Daily Racing Form. The four-year-old dark bay, sired by Mor Spirit and out of Polar Plunge by Successful Appeal, boasts an impressive record of five wins in 13 races, accumulating earnings totalling $483,526. Meanwhile, his three-year-old full sister, Casby, has displayed promise by securing third place twice at Fair Grounds this season, under the guidance of owner-trainer Angelle Carter.
On the other hand, Pennick, the unbeaten filly, is gearing up for her third career outing in the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds. After a successful sprint at Woodbine, she now faces a new challenge in a route distance, preparing for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) trial.
“I believe she has the stamina for longer distances,”
Scherer confidently stated.
“She always gives her best effort—it's just that she hasn't had many tests yet. We're going to put our best foot forward”.
Scherer, currently sharing the eighth spot in the trainer standings with 10 wins at a 22% success rate, credits seven of those victories to the Ulwellings, who also stand tall in third place on the owners' leaderboard.
“I’d prefer her not to lead the pack,”
Scherer mentioned.
“I don't think she's quite mature enough to understand the importance of pacing herself. However, if she does take the lead, I won't fret too much because she's not one to back down easily”.
Jareth Loveberry has been chosen as the jockey to guide Pennick, a filly acquired for $200,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from breeder David Anderson's Anderson Farms Ontario, Ltd.