Almasty looks to end win drought

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Almasty dominated the Grade 3 Commonwealth Turf last fall at Churchill Downs in what seemed a breakthrough victory. But nearly a year later, Almasty has yet to win again, although trainer Brad Cox is hoping the drought will end Friday on the Churchill Downs turf course.

Favorably drawn along the hedge, Almasty figures as a deserving favorite when he stretches back out around two turns in the first of two allowances on an 11-race Veteran’s Day card, which starts at 1 p.m. Eastern.

“We kind of experimented his last two starts by sprinting him,” said Cox, referring to a third-place finish in the Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint in September and a fifth-place finish in the Grade 3 Woodford last month at Keeneland. “He ran well both times and came out of the races really well. I think he’ll appreciate the two turns again. This looks like a good spot for him.”

Florent Geroux has the call on Almasty in the fourth race, a $66,000 third-level allowance at a mile on turf. A field of eight older horses is entered, with perhaps Flatlined, Galton, and Coco Mon the main threats.

One other allowance [race 10] also is carded for Friday. It’s a $60,000 second-level turf sprint which drew an oversubscribed field of fillies and mares led by Kirby’s Penny, Touch of Bling, and Snow Mesa.

Friday cards at Churchill usually comprise 10 races, but the track held one fewer race than normal last Saturday because of Breeders’ Cup scheduling, “so we’re basically making up for that one race,” racing secretary Ben Huffman said.

KEY CONTENDERS (race 4)

Almasty, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: 92-92-91

◗ He faced some rugged turf sprinters in those last two, and with his speed duly sharpened, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get away quickly from his rail slot and run like he did in going wire to wire in the Commonwealth.

Flatlined, by Flatter
Last 3 Beyers: 88-94-96

◗ He upset the restricted Old Friends at Kentucky Downs in September three starts back, a reminder that he’s capable of huge efforts for trainer Scooter Dickey.

Galton, by Offlee Wild
Last 3 Beyers: 93-89-85

◗ One of three entered here for an optional $80,000 claiming tag [with Mongol Bull and One Touch], he’s a very consistent gelding with 20 in-money finishes from 28 career starts.

Coco Mon, by Monarchos
Last 3 Beyers: 90-92-93

◗ Capable gray gelding has been lightly raced the last two seasons by trainer Frank Kirby in Chicago and was transferred recently into the Eddie Kenneally barn.