Distance could be an issue for Totally Justified

Good luck parsing the featured eighth race Sunday at Churchill. The first-level turf mile allowance drew an overflow field of 16 and, on paper, looks wildly competitive.

A dozen can start in the race, and Icona, who might be favored for trainer Brendan Walsh and jockey Tyler Gaffalione, got stuck on the also-eligible list, requiring two scratches to make the field.

Totally Justified raced in graded stakes company her last nine starts, most recently finishing sixth Dec. 28 in the Grade 1 American Oaks over 1 1/4 miles – and there’s the rub.

Totally Justified, purchased at auction for $775,000 in November and turned over to trainer Anna Meah, likely needs more than a mile to show her best. She also drew poorly in post 12 and has gone 9-0-2-0 since clearing the maiden ranks.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.