King's preview: September meet opens

Opening night of the September meet at Churchill Downs officially begins at 6 p.m. eastern with race 1, but with the first few races on the card not holding much wagering interest, late arrivals to the track are unlikely to miss much in terms of large payoffs.

Race 1 has a short-priced favorite in Jesse James who probably will go off at 2-5; the second is a $10,000 claimer carded with five horses; and the third race, a $7,500 non-winners-of-two claimer, seems a two-horse race on paper between the favorites Lola Getz and In Tall Cotton.

Fourth race offers more interest

The fourth race, an allowance for 2-year-olds on the turf, drew two or three potentially good runners and at least offers some quality. I’m curious to watch MAN OF STATURE (#6, 3-1) in the fourth and see if he can rebound off a poor effort on dirt in stakes company.

This is a horse that won a maiden race on turf in fast time at Lone Star this summer, overcoming a wide trip that would have beaten many horses.
Those looking for a good early single in multi-race gimmicks should strongly consider Man of Stature.

Two spot plays

Race 8
BROWN EYED MARY (#8, 3-1) has the best recent form of any filly in the race but is a respectable price due to starting for a barn relatively unknown by the betting public. She comes off three straight runner-up finishes since being claimed for $30,000 in the spring meet and is proven over this course, having won here when claimed May 22.

Race 10
ZENARO (#8, 7-2) ran poorly last out but in the slop at Prairie Meadows and now is dropped sharply in class – which some handicappers may view as a negative sign. And in most cases, it might be a reason to pass on this one. But this horse is owned by Maggi Moss, one of the most successful owners in the game, and she spots her horses well while still giving needed consideration to their long-term wellness. Moss-owned horses are winning at a 35 percent clip this year.

Early scratches

RACE 1 - SCRATCH #7 Drillin

RACE 4 - SCRATCH #7 Eagle (main track only)

RACE 6 - SCRATCH #3 Maggie Sue

RACE 10 - SCRATCH #1 Judge Carr (part of entry, #1A Cashleigh will run); SCRATCH #6 Jazil Bell; SCRATCH #9 Blue Creek; EQUIPMENT CHANGE: #4 Mosquillo, blinkers off