Litfin's preview: Turf races questionable for Friday
Turf notes
Rain Wednesday night and into early morning washed all five of Thursday’s scheduled grass races to a wet main track, and it remains to be seen how many of Friday’s four turf races stay on.
Heading into the week, the temporary rails are set out at 27 feet on the Widener course. On the inner turf, the rails are way out at 35 feet, which means that if races 7 and/or 9 stay on, they will be run at “about” distances.
Four-bagger for Irad Ortiz Jr.
.Coming off a solid second-place finish at Saratoga, Irad Ortiz Jr. vaulted past Joel Rosario and into second behind Javier Castellano with a four-win afternoon on Thursday, whittling Castellano’s lead to 35-31.
However, Castellano has a chance to widen the advantage on Friday. He rides several live contenders, including 8-5 morning-line choice Madaket Millie (8th) in the nominal allowance feature, while Ortiz will be at Keeneland.
Horse to watch
CUSHION
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Last race: Oct. 12, 9th
Finish: 4th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 88
Returned from a 10-week layoff after being used too early in the Waya Stakes, and changed tactics to rally belatedly in the Athenia after breaking from a tough outside post; remains eligible for second-level allowance conditions.