Firecracker BC

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Reigning champion turf horse KITTEN’S JOY (El Prado [Ire]) makes his much-anticipated return to the races when headlining a field of six for the $250,000
Firecracker Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) over the Churchill Downs lawn on Monday. Owned
by Ken and Sarah Ramsey and conditioned by the red-hot Dale Romans, the now
four-year-old colt cuts back to a mile in here after contesting longer races for
virtually his whole career, but his class alone should find him in the winners’
circle. We don’t take a lot of pride in selecting a likely overwhelming
favorite, but it’s too difficult to bet against this turf star.

OLD FORRESTER (Forestry) is the only contestant in here we envision giving
the top choice any kind of scare for trainer Bill Mott. The middle-distance
specialist is a model of consistency, running first and second in all but one of
his lifetime grassy starts. The improving chestnut has a fitness edge on the top
one and has a chance of pulling off the win if the favorite is off his game. A solid alternate
for those fishing for an upset. Pat Day rides.

AMERICA ALIVE (American Chance) is a recent Grade 1 winner over this same
course and possesses a potent late kick for trainer Neil Howard. The bay colt
was well beaten in a roughly contested Manhattan H. (G1) last out, but is
capable of much better. We don’t feel he has enough to win, but he’s a logical
use in all exotics.

PARKER RUN (Glitterman) has done his best work in turf sprints, but is not
yet a stakes winner and we don’t expect that to change here. The gelded
four-year-old is a wildcard in here as it’s hard to figure if he’ll be on or off
the pace with the added distance. A smart trip may find him on the board.

SENOR SWINGER (El Prado [Ire]) was ridden to perfection in the Opening Verse
H. last out and beat a nice one, but will likely having trouble closing into
this group. We’ll take a stand against the five-year-old. MIGHT MILITARY
(Military) should be prominent from the outset but will likely wilt late.