Good Samaritan launches season against tough group in American Turf

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The American Turf on Saturday at Churchill Downs could be run over European-type ground.

Persistent late-week rain in Louisville is almost certain to turn Churchill’s turf course something softer than firm for this Grade 2, $300,000 race for 3-year-olds, but one trainer hopes the ground will be decent.

“The first week of the meet here, I don’t worry about that too much,” said trainer Bill Mott, who had his first Churchill Downs turf starter in 1991. “The course takes water pretty well.”

Mott has more than a passing interest in a race that marks the 2017 debut of Good Samaritan, a potential turf star whose most recent start produced a tough-luck third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

“I think he could have won,” Mott said.

That case could readily be made, but even a strong comeback run from Good Samaritan wouldn’t assure success in what appears to be an especially salty edition of the American Turf.

American Turf, Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Good Samaritan, by Harlan’s Holiday

Last 3 Beyers: 91-92-79

◗ What a 2-year-old season he had, with excellent performances at Saratoga, Woodbine, and Santa Anita.

◗ A horse bolted in front of him early in the BC Juvenile Turf, costing Good Samaritan valuable early position. The colt flew home with a last quarter-mile in a race-best 22.89 seconds but just had too much to do.

◗ Asked if Good Samaritan was coming back ready for a strong performance, Mott said: “Well, I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself on Derby Day now, would I?”

Formulator fact: Mott has one win from 10 runners who were returning from layoffs of 180 days or longer in graded turf stakes, but dig deeper with that stat. Mott’s record in such tough circumstances is 10-1-2-4, and two more horses finished fourth and fifth, meaning most of them have fired.

Oscar Nominated, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 84-93-90

◗ The BC Juvenile Turf winner was odds-on to win the Transylvania Stakes on April 7 at Keeneland in his first start of the year but broke flatfooted, tracked the leaders, and checked in a one-paced fifth.

“We probably didn’t have him as tight as what we’d have liked,” said trainer Brian Lynch. “Hopefully, he breaks a little sharper. I think he’s better running in the clear.”

◗ Oscar Performance crushed his rivals on soft ground last fall in the Pilgrim Stakes.

“It’s always a variable, but he seemed to handle it,” Lynch said.

◗ Did not bleed last out but is racing for the first time with Lasix. Lynch over the last five years in graded stakes has two seventh- and two eighth-place finishes with first-time Lasix users.

Big Score, by Mr. Big

Last 3 Beyers: 90-84-84

◗ California-based colt was fifth in the BC Juvenile Turf but started this campaign with a mild upset in the Transylvania, his first start outside California.

◗ Trainer Tim Yakteen has started only one horse at Churchill Downs.

Conquest Fahrenheit, by Scat Daddy

Last 3 Beyers: 93-92-69

◗ Good Samaritan ran over him in winning the Summer Stakes last year at Woodbine, but Conquest Fahrenheit has two recent flashy Santa Anita turf-stakes scores.

◗ Front-running type could hook up with Oscar Performance.

La Coronel, by Colonel John

Last 3 Beyers: 87-83-79

◗ Filly facing colts is plenty talented, but her opponents here are a cut above what she beat last out at Keeneland in the Jessamine Stakes, and she is drawn poorly in post 11.