Monday Ellis card features host of rich races

Just another Monday card at Ellis, right? The nine-race program includes three $100,000 maiden special weights, an open 3-year-old filly turf sprint allowance worth $108,000, and a dirt-route second-level allowance with a $102,000 purse.

The dirt route, carded for 1 1/8 miles and open to $50,000 claimers, drew a modest field of seven, including two horses, Imperial Gun and Unload, trained by Steve Asmussen, and a third, El Magnifico, who Asmussen trained until the horse was claimed for $80,000 in May. Imperial Gun has more upside than Unload, a pace factor entered under the $50,000 claiming option. El Magnifico, claimed again June 28, this time for $62,500, has more speed than Unload and figures to set the pace.

D’Oro Unbridled makes his first start since January and probably will need the race. The 4-year-old, trained by Ignacio Correas, has flashed real talent at times and might not be ready to deliver on it.

Mendela will make her turf debut in the 3-year-old filly turf sprint, provided she doesn’t start Sunday in the Audubon Oaks. She’s the fastest horse in a short field and has a sister, Bedazzle ’Em, who ran her best race in her lone turf sprint.

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