Jack Tripp merits respect exiting strong race

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – When four horses finish closely bunched on the wire, the race is sometimes viewed as a collection of mediocrity.

But in the particular case of a May 29 allowance that resulted in a four-way photo for the win, “All those horses are pretty good, I think,” said trainer Dale Romans.

The subject comes into play in the context of the seventh race Sunday at Churchill Downs, where the Romans-trained Jack Tripp will be one of the favorites. Jack Tripp was fourth in the bang-bang-bang finish in his last start, beaten just a neck for all the money.

“I think it could turn out to be a positive, key race,” said Romans.

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Jack Tripp will have Robby Albarado back aboard when breaking from the rail in the first of two first-level allowances – each offering a purse of $56,300 – that anchor a 10-race card. Jack Tripp will be on a slight stretch-out that figures to favor his up-close running style when he faces seven other 3-year-olds in the 1 1/16-mile race.

First post is 12:45 p.m. Eastern, with the first co-feature set for 3:47. The other co-feature, for 3-year-olds and up going a flat mile, is carded as race 9 (4:48).

After Sunday, Churchill goes dark for three days before the final three-day stretch of the 38-day spring meet starts with a Twilight Thursday card. Next Saturday is closing night.

Race 7

KEY CONTENDERS

Jack Tripp (Last 3 Beyers: 81-75-43)

◗ Chestnut gelding briefly looked like a winner in the May 29 free-for-all with a long, sweeping rally, only to barely come up short in a race won by the well-regarded Bent On Bourbon over the odds-on Roll Tide Roll.

Hottap (Last 3 Beyers: 83-73-76)

◗ Earned a field-high 83 Beyer when finally knocking out his maiden condition in his seventh start on closing day at Oaklawn Park, but the 10-week layoff begs the question of why he hasn’t run back sooner.

A. Rod Again (Last 3 Beyers: 66-70-71)

◗ Connections who originally brought around General a Rod have thought enough of the colt to try him twice in stakes, albeit both resulted in drubbings; perhaps worth noting that his latest drill at Trackside earned him a bullet.

Deliverance Day (Last 3 Beyers: 76-59-75)

◗ One of two in here (with Whiskey Shiner) entered for a $75,000 claiming option, he has been shrewdly spotted by Tim Glyshaw on several occasions in earning back his original claiming price from last fall.