Attfield bringing in Churchtown for Gio Ponti Stakes

Trainer Roger Attfield will have his first starter at Aqueduct in three years when he ships Churchtown in from Woodbine for Saturday’s $135,000 Gio Ponti Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

Churchtown, a gelding by Air Force Blue is coming off a neck loss to Luckman in the Toronto Cup at Woodbine on Sept. 10. Prior to that, he won an allowance on synthetic and one on turf, also at Woodbine.

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Churchtown represents Attfield’s first Aqueduct runner since Tiz a Slam finished seventh in the Red Smith here in 2019. Attfield’s last winner at Aqueduct was Making Melody, who won the Grade 3 Long Island here in 2010.

Churchtown drew the rail and will be ridden by Junior Alvarado. Outside of him, in post order, are Grand Sonata, Riot House, Ohtwoohthreefive, Wicked Fast, Dakota Gold, Wow Whata Summer, Steady On and Marinara Sauced. Be Better is entered for the main track.

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