Churchill: Tougher spot for Hazards of Love

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Tom Amoss concedes that Hazards of Love might have gotten off a little easy when the veteran gelding won his last start, a second-level allowance that was rained off the turf at Keeneland.

“Honestly, that wasn’t the best two-other-than you’ll ever see,” said Amoss. “This race Sunday should be tougher.”

Having exhausted that condition in his 66th start, Hazards of Love is entered back for an optional $62,500 claiming tag in the Sunday feature at Churchill Downs, a $54,000, second-level allowance at 1 1/8 miles.

Jimmy Graham has a return call on Hazards of Love, who will break from the outside post in a field of seven older horses in the eighth of 10 races.

“This is the logical spot for him,” said Amoss. “He’s trained well in the meantime. We’ll see where he fits.”

One other allowance (race 10) is on a Sunday card that starts at 12:45 p.m. Eastern.

After Sunday, Churchill will host its only Monday card of the 37-day meet because of the Memorial Day holiday. A four-day race week then will resume Thursday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Hazards of Love (Last 3 Beyers: 85-98-94)

 Having earned more than $255,000 since being claimed by Maggi Moss for $10,000 in March 2013, this chestnut gelding has been a remarkable warrior throughout his lengthy career, having won 23 times while also finishing second or third another 27 times – so he knows what the game is all about.

 He owns the versatility to sit a nice trip from the outer post, with Aces High likely to set the pace just ahead of him, Irish You Well, and C J’s Awesome.

Tarpy’s Surprise (Last 3 Beyers: 80-84-91)

 Rail-drawn horse is eligible to benefit from his Derby Day outing, in which he failed to get close; showed considerable promise from 3 to 4 but must show he’s ready to get back to that form.

Irish You Well (Last 3 Beyers: 86-81-87)

 Four-year-old colt has been well backed in a couple of attempts to get through this condition this year after having spent much of his career in the stakes ranks; best try obviously makes him a threat.

C J’s Awesome (Last 3 Beyers: 81-93-87)

 A couple of front-running wins last year included a field-high 100 Beyer, but he has lost five in a row since then; shows two local works since disappointing as the favorite in his Oaklawn farewell.