CHURCHILL DOWNS NOTEBOOK
JUNE 18, 2009
by Frank Cotolo
Here comes the night. Handicappers, mark your calendars. The premier evening
of night Thoroughbred racing in Louisville, Kentucky, is Friday. The following
two “Downs After Dark” programs are on June 26 and July 2. On these programs,
the first-race post-time is 6 p.m. (EDT).
Thursday afternoon card will have a Pick
Six carryover of $2,790. Sometimes it is worth it for those bettors with
smaller bankrolls to address a Pick 6 ticket, since the high rollers are usually
passing until the carryover requires a ticket worth more than the entire
carryover on Thursday. A smaller ticket can take the big exotic down with some
sharp handicapping and because the programs have been chock full of form horses,
many are not so obvious to the public.
And, exotic players should remember that Churchill Downs added a third Pick 4
to its wagering menu at the end of May. The exotic is offered for a minimum of
50 cents, allowing for bettors to stack their tickets when trying to select the
winner of four consecutive races: Races 4-7 each day is the added feature,
joining the early Pick 4 in Races 1-4 and last four races. And Friday’s Pick 4
on races 4-7 will feature a $100,000 guarantee.
Track stats
Flirting with the age-old standard, the 341 races of this meet through Sunday have produced a 32-percent average of winning favorites. On two days last
week, the crowd was particularly sharp and registered five favorites correctly in each of two programs, the former with 11 races and the latter with
10. Form is holding well, especially when it is obvious.
Noteworthy training stats this past week show that Forrest Kaelin and Tim
Glyshaw are being productive. The former now has six wins from 19 starts, and the
latter has five wins from 16 starts. That leaves them in a virtual percentage tie
and worth watching if they pick up any new work from owners claiming horses.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (6/11)
1ST — PROSPECTOR MATTIE (Prospectors Gamble), who fit well in this field, did not look
comfortable racing in the mud. When it came time to rally there was too much
under foot.
4TH — TRIPPI DIPPEDY DOT (Trippi) was leading and strong until the final furlong
over the muddy track, and
she may be better on a fast track next time out.
5TH — SEALED BID (Langfuhr) made up good ground in the goo and was claimed
by Steve Asmussen. The maiden can return sharp at a route next out.
7TH — THISKYHASNOLIMIT (Sky Mesa) put in a find debut at five furlongs, dueling twice
to stay on top and finishing second.
Friday (6/12)
1ST — MENIFEECENT (Menifee) was strongly speeding along for an 8-1 shot and got the
lead at the half, holding tough to finish third.
3RD — BAIL BABY BAIL (Buddha) won this maiden event well enough to back against
winners next out in the right spot.
7TH — HARROW LAND (Graeme Hall) was four wide in this route and ran that extra distance to
the final quarter before tanking. Could be well-placed in next, dropping or not.
10TH — INQUISITION (Spanish Steps) gave the best he could with Calvin Borel in the saddle, leading
early from the rail. But he finished like a longshot at 29-1. With less real
estate, he could give a field some trouble at a big price
Saturday (6/13)
3RD — POLISHED (Mineshaft) was brought in to the rail spot sharply as Borel attempted
his trademark trip, but the horse was forced to angle out late and came up empty.
5TH — POWER SURGE (Holzmeister) was in the mix until he seemed to slip and lose footing.
He regained his gallop but was not the same after the mishap.
Sunday (6/14)
3RD — SAMMYTHEBULLDOZER (Forest Camp) should be ready to break his maiden next out in a
sprint or if he winds up the lone speed at seven or eight panels. He recorded a good second here.
6TH — CAT DASH (Forest Wildcat) came from Evangeline and looked good on paper in this group.
He did not, however, show what was expected of him in the sprint.