Knights Nation, Red Strike loom as threats in closing-day feature
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLELOUISVILLE, Ky. – The curtain comes down Sunday on the September meet at Churchill Downs, where a second-level turf allowance with a $62,500 claiming option serves as the highlight of the 12th and last program of the meet.
A full field of 12 plus two also-eligibles have been entered in the ninth of 10 races Sunday, when terrific weather once again is in the forecast. More than half of the 3-year-olds and upward in the main body of the $41,000 one-mile race are entered for the optional tag, and at least two of them, Knights Nation and Red Strike, loom as major threats.
Air Squadron, Xaverian, and Highball also figure to attract strong wagering action. First post is 12:45 p.m. Eastern, with the feature going at 4:49. One other allowance (race 7) is on the card.
Because it is closing day, all jackpot wagers will carry mandatory payouts.
This is the second year a September meet has been held at Churchill, replacing what had been the Turfway Park fall meet. After four dark days on this circuit, the 17-day fall meet at Keeneland kicks off Friday with Fall Stars Weekend.
Race 9
KEY CONTENDERS
Air Squadron (Last 3 Beyers: 82-83-73)
◗ Fourth for this same condition two weeks ago at Kentucky Downs, this Curlin colt may well have found a home on grass, having run quite well in two starts after being an in-and-outer in a dozen main-track tries.
◗ Comes favorably drawn toward the hedge and will be ridden by Julien Leparoux, who is looking to sustain momentum for the return to Keeneland, where he is a 10-time leading jockey.
Knights Nation (Last 3 Beyers: 81-81-78)
◗ Tends to put himself right into the race and figures to do so again when stalking the speedier ones while saving ground under Robby Albarado.
◗ Will be looking to break an extended turf slump for trainer Dallas Stewart, who shows an 0-for-28 mark for 2013-14 on that surface.
Red Strike (Last 3 Beyers: 85-91-93)
◗ Smart Strike gelding has done nothing but good since being claimed in March by the high-percentage owner-trainer team of Maggi Moss and Tom Amoss.
◗ Somewhat curious stat: He raced a grand total of 15 times from age 3 to 6 – and this will be his 11th start at 7.
Highball (Last 3 Beyers: 85-85-84)
◗ One of three 3-year-olds in the field (with Xaverian and Out of Patience), he won his first allowance condition at Kentucky Downs earlier this month after faring respectably in the American Derby and Secretariat.