Conquest Twister makes local debut in allowance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs rounds out its Memorial Day weekend without any stakes on its Sunday or Monday cards, but that’s not to say fans won’t enjoy some quality racing.

An interesting 10-race card is on tap for Sunday, highlighted by three allowances, two starter allowances, and a pair of maiden special weight events, including one at the infrequently run Kentucky Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles.

First post is 12:45 p.m. Eastern, with the allowances all slotted in the late pick-five sequence (races 6-10). Here’s a quick rundown of each:

Race 6: This $53,000, second-level race at seven furlongs not only is the richest race of the day but one of the best. It’s a real hodgepodge of veterans, several of whom were made eligible by way of a $62,500 claiming option, with a mix of high speed, stalkers, and closers.

Conquest Twister, trained by Ron Moquett, prevailed for this same condition at Oaklawn Park in January and is now in for the optional tag.

“He’s never run here, but the way he’s trained, I’ve got to think he likes this track,” said Moquett.

Race 8: Sardinia returns to the Churchill main track, where she was 2-5 in winning a maiden route on closing day of the fall meet. The 5-year-old mare goes from turf to dirt in this $51,000, first-level race at a one-turn mile as the likely favorite in a lineup that also has Annathela, Street Biz, and Put Da Blame On Me as top considerations.

Race 9: There’s no clear-cut choice in a field of 10 in this $51,000, first-level race at 1 3/8 miles on turf, with lukewarm favorites likely to include Cite, Honovi, Humor, War Daddy, and Fire for Effect. This is another good one.

Earlier in the day, the starter allowances go back-to-back as races 2 and 3. Race 2 is likely to have Sportscaster favored as he comes out of tougher races at his preferred niche of 1 1/16 miles on turf. Race 3, at seven furlongs on the main track, has Ice Cream Truck, Fleet Gold Digger, and Tiree as the top contenders in a field of seven.

The 1 1/4-mile maiden race drew just seven 3-year-olds as race 4, and there’s a noticeable lack of early speed signed on. Nonetheless, Perfect Partner is likely to be a solid favorite for the omnipresent Mark Casse stable after closing stoutly to finish second at shorter distances in his two prior starts.

After Sunday, Churchill will be open for its only Monday card of the 38-day spring meet, with an 11-race program. Racing then resumes Thursday evening.