Six graded races on tap at Churchill Downs; Curlin totes 128 in Foster
The Saturday, June 14th Stephen Foster Day card from Churchill Downs includes six graded races, highlighted by the return of Curlin in the aformentioned Foster…
Race 6 (Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Handicap) Number 5 Hystericalady (4-5) looks tough at low odds. She just missed repeating in the Humana Distaff at Churchill last time, and the early/pressing sort is especially adept in conventional dirt routes.
Race 7 (Grade 3 Regret) Number 4 Pure Clan (7-5) went 4-4 as a juvenile, and two of those wins were on the grass. Knocked heads with the ill-fated Eight Belles and Proud Spell in three dirt starts this year. The expected tepid pace should help versatile runners like Number 1 C J’s Leelee (6-1) and Number 3 Zee Zee (2-1).
Race 8 (Grade 3 Northern Dancer) A trio of Kentucky Derby also-rans lead the way in this spot. Number 2 Pyro (7-5) is the likely fav, and he must find his sharp winter form to run past these. Number 1 Recapturetheglory (3-1) might attempt a theft from the rail, just like he did in the Illinois Derby in April. Number 6 Visionaire (5-1) is the final Derby member, and he is a late runner looking to rebound as well.
Race 9 (Grade 2 Jefferson Cup) Number 4 Tizdejavu (3-1) is the tepid morning line choice. Consistent colt exits a local wire job over yielding ground. Number 6 Old Man Buck (7-2) is a classy returnee, and his strong juvenile turf form plays well in this spot.
Race 10 (Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap) Number 1 Curlin (3-5) packs 128 pounds in his first start since a romping Dubai World Cup tally in March. Has won four straight in the three-and-up ranks. He should get an honest pace to chase. Number 4 Einstein (5-1) tries to transfer his sharp turf form to the main. He is 2-3 on an off track, but he was a non-threatening 6th in the Donn Handicap on fast ground in February. Number 5 Grasshopper (5-1) has struggled a bit since a strong winter in New Orleans. Number 10 Brass Hat (8-1) is capable of big efforts from time to time, like his close-up place finish at 13-1 in the Clark Handicap here last fall.
Race 11 (Grade 3 Early Times Mint Julip Handicap) Number 3 Dreaming of Anna (1-1) always fires on the sod and will be a prohibitive fav in the field of 11. Number 11 Ciao (6-1) loves the local green and should give a good account of herself.
Photo Credit: Newscom
Tags: Churchill Downs, Curlin, Saturday June 14 2008, Stephen Foster HandicapRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Handicapping, Horses, Stakes Races
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