Multiple Graded Stakes on the Churchill Saturday Agenda
A pair of Grade 3 races leads the Saturday card at Churchill Downs, including the $100,000 Aristides S. (G3) at six furlongs. Top dirt sprinter Custom for Carlos was outrun in a grass dash on Derby Day but returns to his preferred oval and looms a big chance for trainer Eddie Kenneally. The speedy son of More Than Ready is a stakes winner on the oval and drilled a sharp half-mile to prepare for this event.
Wise Dan didn’t fire at nine panels last time but should do much better in this one-turn try for Charles Lopresti. The Grade 3 winner was close in sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on this strip in the fall, and could be ready for a peak run third off the bench. Cash Refund and Riley Tucker, one-two in an allowance here, will likely both make a splash in this one. Grade 1 hero Noble’s Promise and Bob Baffert’s rising sprinter Irrefutable should be in the hunt.
The $100,000 Dogwood S. (G3) for sophomore fillies could include superb debut victress Fantasy of Flight, multiple graded-placed stakes winner Holy Heavens, Eight Belles S. (G3) third Honey Chile and smart allowance winner Might, a full-sister to Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) hero Blame