(Mike Maker barn / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

From the Churchill Downs Media Team / Darren Rogers & Kevin Kerstein:

WILLY D’S GIVES MAKER SPECIAL LUKAS CLASSIC CONNECTION

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, Sept. 26, 2025) – Saturday’s $500,000 Lukas Classic (Grade II) at Churchill Downs will take on added meaning for trainer Mike Maker as he sends out Willy D’s in the race named for his former boss and mentor, Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, who passed away three months ago at age 89.

Willie D’s, a former $50,000 claim, has climbed the ranks into graded stakes company since joining the Maker barn in March. Formerly trained by Greg Compton, the 4-year-old gelding won the Michael G. Schaefer Memorial at Horseshoe Indianapolis this summer before finishing second to Banishing in the $1 million Charles Town Classic (GII) on Aug. 22.

“Just like Wayne always said, ‘You can’t win it if you’re not in it,’” Maker said. “That’s why we’re here, and I think we’ve got a shot against a pretty solid field.”

Owned in partnership by Paradise Farms. Corp and Case Chambers, Willy D’s was cross-entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Woodward Stakes (GII) at Aqueduct but Maker opted to keep the horse at Churchill Downs.

Saturday’s 12th renewal of the Lukas Classic will carry special significance with the recent passing of Lukas. His widow, Laurie Lukas, will present the trophy to the winning connections.

“Wayne was like a father figure to me,” Maker said. “Horse racing lost its icon a few months ago.”

The 1 1/8-mile Lukas Classic is headlined by Kentucky Derby 150 winner Mystik Dan, Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Hit Show and the aforementioned Banishing, who has won stakes contests at distances around one, two and three turns.

The lineup for the Lukas Classic from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds):

  • Willy D’s (Luis Saez, Maker, 6-1)
  • Hit Show (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox, 7-2)
  • Rattle N Roll (Julien Leparoux, Kenny McPeek, 5-1)
  • Prince of Power (Manny Esquivel, Jesus Esquivel, 30-1)
  • Mystik Dan (TBA, McPeek, 5-2)
  • Disarm (Irad Ortiz Jr., Steve Asmussen, 4-1)
  • Banishing (Tyler Gaffalione, David Jacobson, 3-1)

The Lukas Classic was renamed in honor of Lukas in 2015. Formerly known as the Homecoming Classic, the winners of the race include 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) winner Fort Larned, 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go and last year’s winner Hit Show, who won the $12 million Dubai World Cup (GI) in April.

Saturday also is Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Churchill Downs. Several leading aftercare organizations will be on-site to showcase their work in re-training and re-homing retired racehorses.

DOWN THE STRETCH – Live racing resumed Friday for the antepenultimate day of the September Meet. There was a $110,216 carryover in the 20-cent Derby City 6 starting in Race 5. First post was 12:45 p.m. ET. … JockeyBrian Hernandez Jr. returned home Thursday from University of Louisville Hospital to begin his recovery after sustaining seven broken ribs, a punctured lung and a lacerated liver Sunday. … Trainer Greg Foley needs one win to reach 500 victories at Churchill Downs. He had one entry in Race 4 on Friday and one in Race 2 on Saturday. … “Inside Churchill Downs” returns Friday at 6 p.m. to preview closing weekend of the Churchill Downs September Meet. Fans can listen live on www.espnlouisville.com or on ESPN 680/105.7 in the Louisville area.