Portando brings solid credentials to Sunday allowance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As Steve Asmussen and one of his top clients, Winchell Thoroughbreds, contemplate a Preakness start for Gun Runner, they’ll have what figures to be a pleasant diversion Sunday at Churchill Downs when represented by a heavy favorite in Portando in the first of three allowances on a 10-race program.

Understandably, Asmussen and David Fiske – the racing manager for owner Ron Winchell – have been taking their time in deciding whether Gun Runner will wheel back next Saturday in the 141st Preakness at Pimlico following the colt’s solid third-place finish here last weekend in the Kentucky Derby. Gun Runner returned to light training at Churchill four days after the Derby, and equine charter flights to Baltimore leave Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the daily show goes on. Portando, a 4-year-old gelding by the late Bertrando, has been terrific since finally making it to the races, punctuating a March 11 debut victory with a runner-up finish in a first-level allowance that earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure, with both races coming at Oaklawn Park. He’ll be heavily backed when adding blinkers and facing six others in the fourth race Sunday, a $52,000, first-level race at seven furlongs.

That race shares the Sunday spotlight with a pair of turf allowances: a $54,000, second-level race for older horses at 1 3/8 miles (race 7) and a $52,000, first-level race for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles (race 9). The two later allowances are part of the 20-cent Single Six, the jackpot wager being offered here daily through the end of the spring meet July 2. The Single Six is held on the last six races every day.

First post Sunday is 12:45 p.m. Eastern. It’s the first of two Sundays at this meet with a “Family Adventure” theme, with many activities in store for families with children. The second comes June 26.

After Sunday, Churchill goes dark for three days before another four-day race week starts with a Twilight Thursday program.

KEY CONTENDERS (race 4)

Portando, by Bertrando
Last 2 Beyers: 95-81

◗ Stretching out from back-to-back six-furlong races at Oaklawn, he and jockey Florent Geroux figure to be prominent from the opening bell after breaking from post 5.

Calmbeforethestorm, by Stormy Atlantic
Last 3 Beyers: 78-76-59

◗ Highly regarded since winning at first asking at the 2014 Churchill fall meet for trainer Phil Bauer, this 4-year-old gelding will be turning back from a pair of two-turn races at Fair Grounds.

Forge Ahead Franki, by Mass Media
Last 3 Beyers: 78-80-54

◗ Favorably drawn in the outside post with Channing Hill to ride, this Florida-bred has achieved a measure of consistency while competing mostly in the upper claiming ranks for Wayne Catalano.