Flashy Gal returns for closing-day allowance feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The wrecking ball moves back in Monday at Churchill Downs, this time for a $4.2 million project that will more comfortably accommodate owners and trainers in the lower clubhouse when racing returns here in the spring.

But before the latest transformation of this ancient plant gets under way, 11 races will be run on the final program of the 2014 fall meet. A Sunday card starts at the usual 12:40 p.m. Eastern, with two allowances highlighting Fan Appreciation Day, otherwise known as getaway day.

The nominal feature is the 10th race, a $47,000, third-level turf allowance that matches a good-looking field of fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles. Cash For Ever, fifth in what has become a key race this fall, the Oct. 13 Pebbles at Belmont Park, figures as one of the favorites off that respectable effort, although there are a handful of opponents whose form is similarly attractive, including Kitten’s Queen, Flashy Gal, and In My Time.

The other Sunday allowance directly precedes the feature as race 9. It’s a $45,000, second-level, main-track sprint, and there’s also no clear-cut favorite in that one.

Sunday was supposed to be the 26th day of a fall meet that began Oct. 26, but because of two weather cancellations (Nov. 19-20), it’s the 24th.

After Sunday, the circuit goes dark for three days before Turfway Park opens its holiday meet Thursday evening in northern Kentucky. However, many Kentucky horsemen will be scattering to Gulfstream Park or Fair Grounds, with some waiting here a few weeks before heading to Oaklawn Park.

Race 10

KEY CONTENDERS

Industrial Policy (Last 3 Beyers: 75-74-82)

* Harlan’s Holiday filly surely would prefer no temporary rail so as to facilitate her late kick. Her trainer, Mark Casse, has enjoyed an outstanding meet and was in the hunt for top honors as closing day approached.

Kitten’s Queen (Last 3 Beyers: 80-81-84)

* She didn’t beat a whole lot when wiring second-level foes as an odds-on choice earlier this month, but she’s tactically sound and will represent standout connections (Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Mike Maker, and Corey Lanerie).

Cash For Ever (Last 2 Beyers: 80-81)

* Some fans won’t be able to resist her because of how deep the Pebbles shaped up, even though she’s skipping a couple of conditions to get a race in before leaving town. Has plenty of upside.

Flashy Gal (Last 3 Beyers: 81-80-83)

* Left a favorable impression in September with a rallying score as the 7-5 choice over this turf course. She finally resurfaces for Wayne Catalano, who also has had a big fall meet and was in contention for the training title in the waning days.

In My Time (Last 3 Beyers: 83-82-80)

* Never worse than second in five tries since moving to the grass, she’ll be the one to catch once again while trying to negotiate yet another move up in class for her high-percentage connections.