King's preview: Departing makes comeback

Wednesday, April 30 preview

Steady rain fell overnight in the Louisville area, but there will be turf racing on what Churchill Downs is calling a good course. The main track, harrowed after the break this morning, is likely to be fast by this afternoon’s races, barring any further showers.

The first four races have six or fewer entrants. The racing improves noticeably later in the day, and it includes one top horse, Departing, a millionaire making his first start as a 4-year-old in race 9.

Winner of the Illinois, West Virginia and Super derbies last year, he perfectly suits the conditions of the ninth race allowance. And though he hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in Oklahoma Derby Sept. 29, he is training well and should win on class.

Jake Mo is his primary foe. He won going away at Oaklawn off the bench for trainer Bret Calhoun when racing six furlongs, but could regress a bit on the stretch-out to a mile.

In other action on the card, Queen of Scioto is an overlay at 7-2 on the morning line for race 4, a $10,000 claimer for fillies and mares. She is an 11-time winner and likely to improve upon her seasonal debut when third in a starter at Hawthorne. She also has tactical speed and two wins over the track.

The day’s best bet is 4-1 shot Herd Mentality in race 8. He makes third start of his form cycle, and looks ready to move forward off a couple decent efforts at Oaklawn. He also gets blinkers off and is favorably drawn outside the other speed.

Early scratches

RACE 3

#5 Abelha Maestra

RACE 6

#1A Amanda Devi
#7 Indian Conduct

RACE 7

#13 Cookie

RACE 8

#6 Justfollowmylead

RACE 9

#6 Ol Army

RACE 10

#9 Refreshing
#10 Angle
#11 Stella Cavallo
#12 Sylvan Light
#13 Cause to Celebrate
#14 One Hot Romance