Chai cuts back to one turn in allowance

Chai will look to rebound in Sunday’s allowance feature over six furlongs at Emerald Downs. The Kay Cooper trainee disappointed as the 6-5 favorite when sent long for the first time Aug. 11 in the Washington Oaks.

The daughter of Race Day, owned by Jill Fabulich and Lori Heist, ran a steady race, missing by four lengths while finishing fifth. Chai struggled to get comfortable during the first half of the race, usually with some sort of traffic hindering her progress.

“She had some traffic issues in her last race” Cooper said. “I think it might have confused her a little bit.”

Despite the cutback on Sunday, Cooper still thinks Chai can handle two turns.

“I’ve not given up on her running a route,” she said.

Chai drew the outside post in the field of five and is unlikely to be stymied in traffic from there.

“She has recovered well, and we anticipate a good race from her,” Cooper said.

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Three others exiting the Washington Oaks are entered in Sunday’s allowance, which goes as the third race on the card.

I’m Telling Mom, trained by Joe Toye, finished third, beaten three lengths, in the Oaks after racing just behind the early leaders. She also was making her first attempt around two turns.

The Oaks pacesetter was Special Diva, whose speed will be a considerable asset when meeting just four others Sunday. The daughter of Misremembered backed up to finish sixth, beaten 5 1/2 lengths, in the Oaks. The Vince Gibson trainee sharpened her stamina last month and will be formidable Sunday.

Pop Chart tried the Oaks after exiting the claiming ranks but raced toward the back all the way. She finished seventh, six lengths behind winner Lapush. Earlier this season, Pop Chart missed by a nose at the $5,000 claiming level in a race from which she was claimed by trainer Elodio Madrigal.

Classic American, a daughter of American Freedom, won a maiden race with ease June 22. Claimed by trainer David Martinez that day, she was wheeled back in the Kent Stakes where she forced the pace in a race dominated by closers.

On Aug. 4, Classic American was crowded and checked at the start before recovering and earning third money in an allowance against five foes. The filly could still be any kind and is licensed to do better with a trio of starts under foot.

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