Copper Bullet ends 14-month layoff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – More than 14 months after winning the Grade 2 Saratoga Special, Copper Bullet finally will return to the races Wednesday as the likely favorite in the Churchill feature, an $82,000 second-level allowance at six furlongs.

“We’re excited about having him back,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “He’s training nice and we think he’s a good horse.”

Copper Bullet was sidelined by a recurring shin problem, Asmussen said. The colt was so impressive in his four races last year that his name was often cited in early discussions toward the 2018 Kentucky Derby.

“He’s put in some beautiful work,” Asmussen said. “Solid as can be now.”

Copper Bullet, with Ricardo Santana Jr. to ride, is one of nine 3-year-olds in the ninth of 10 Wednesday races. First post is 1 p.m. Eastern.