Ballagh Rocks adding blinkers for turf feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Blinkers could play a contributing role in the outcome of the seventh race Sunday at Churchill Downs, a $60,000, first-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

One contender, Six Schillings, earned a career-best 85 Beyer Speed Figure in finishing second when racing with blinkers for the first time Oct. 16 at Keeneland, and another entry, Ballagh Rocks, is having blinkers added for Sunday’s race by trainer Bill Mott after running fifth at Keeneland on Oct. 27.

If Ballagh Rocks can produce a more determined effort with the change of equipment, he could prove dangerous, having run well throughout the summer and fall in New York, hitting the board a couple of times at Saratoga and winning a maiden special weight contest at Belmont on Sept. 25. That race earned him the top speed figure in this race, a 93 Beyer.

For Six Schillings, blinkers seemed to put him more into the race early in his latest, along with some mild encouragement out of the gate from regular rider Channing Hill.

Six Schillings (4-1) is a larger price than Ballagh Rocks (5-2) on the morning line.

Race 7

Key Contenders

Six Schillings, by Artie Schiller

Last 3 Beyers: 85-55-71

◗ Is one of three horses here to exit the ninth race at Keeneland on Oct. 19, and he was well clear of the other pair, finishing 3 1/2 lengths in front of fourth-place City Flyer and 6 1/2 lengths ahead of eighth-place Old Sport.

Ballagh Rocks, by Stormy Atlantic

Last 3 Beyers: 81-93-88

FORMULATOR FACT: Mott has done well with horses racing with blinkers for the first time over the past couple of years, winning with 10 of 50 (20 percent), a record that excludes first-time starters; 25 of these horses finished among the top three in their races. These numbers dip over a larger sample, with five-year statistics reflecting 15 percent winners from 137 starters and a $1.20 return on investment.

◗ Had no excuse for his latest, stalking a fast pace Oct. 27 at Keeneland and failing to quicken after coming under an early drive, ultimately losing by 5 1/4 lengths.

Old Sport, by War Front

Last 3 Beyers: 72-86-80

◗ A first-time gelding, he had a troubled trip when eighth after returning from a layoff of nearly nine months at Keeneland on Oct. 16, breaking slowly and racing wide when being reserved well off a slow pace. His better efforts have come when he has raced on or near the lead.