Churchill switches stakes dates

Churchill Downs has announced that the dates of two stakes during the upcoming spring meet have been switched.

The Grade 3 Aristides Handicap, a sprint for older horses, will now be run on June 21, while the Grade 3 Locust Grove Handicap for older fillies and mares on the turf will be run on June 28.

The change was made to put additional time between the Aristides and the Grade 3 Smile Handicap, a highlight of the Summit of Speed program scheduled for July 12 at Calder Race Course, a Churchill Downs property. Churchill racing officials felt that with additional time between the two stakes, it would provide a greater opportunity for sprinters to compete in both events.