Butcher Herb makes comeback

In each of his first four career starts, Butcher Herb was sent off favored at less than even money. Although he ran well in all but one of those races, Butcher Herb rewarded win bettors just once.

Off since last July, the 4-year-old Butcher Herb returns while seeking to clear his first allowance condition in Monday's featured ninth race at Philadelphia Park.

Based on how well he ran in his career debut going the same 6 1/2-furlong distance as Monday's race, Butcher Herb is capable of firing fresh. He won his career debut by 9 1/2 lengths, then followed up with a pair of near-misses, falling short by a head both times while recording Beyer Speed Figures of 90 and 94.

Both those Beyers are above the par of 85 for a first-level allowance at Philly Park.

A son of Fusaichi Pegasus, Butcher Herb's dam is Doc Calls Her Kate, who won 7 of 17 starts and $201,793 in a career that included a minor stakes victory at Philly Park in 2000.

Butcher Herb's trainer, Ed Lehman, shows a 3-for-7 record with a $3.22 return on investment with sprinters returning off a break of more than 180 days the past five years, according to DRF's Formulator.

The other interesting layoff horse in the field of seven is Stellwagen. He has been off since finishing second at this same level in back-to-back races in January. Last November, Stellwagen wired maiden special weight company, earning a 91 Beyer, in his second career start.