Catalano filly looks strong in allowance feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Three allowances come in progressive fashion on a 10-race Sunday card at Churchill: the first (race 2) is a first-level sprint, the second (race 8) is a second-level main-track route, and the third (race 9) is a third-level turf route.

The final allowance serves as the nominal feature, with a field of 10 (plus one main-track-only) vying for a $43,000 purse.

First post is 12:45 p.m. Eastern, with the feature set for 4:55.

KEY CONTENDERS

Stormin Elle (Last 3 Beyers: 81-82-68)

Illinois-bred chestnut has come around nicely this year for Wayne Catalano, dominating a two-back turf allowance at Arlington before acquitting herself nicely at Saratoga last out. Trainer shows standout percentages in all the relevant categories.

Pappascat (Last 3 Beyers: 78-70-80)

Was the beaten favorite two back in this same kind of race at the end of the spring meet, then really was out of her element when that July 23 stakes in Indiana was rained off the grass. Her wins at the last two Churchill spring meets, including one on the turf course, seem more indicative of her abilities.

Left a Message (Last 3 Beyers: 85-92-72)

Obviously, the nearly five-month layoff begs questions about trainer intent, as she clearly is more accustomed to longer races. Might just be getting a tightener here, but then again, all those stakes lines suggest she brings a class edge to this.