Rain could alter complexion of allowance feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Some advice for horseplayers playing Sunday’s ninth race at Churchill Downs: Don’t bet early. With a threat of scattered showers both Saturday and Sunday in the area, Mother Nature will have a big say in determining the winner of the race, with certain horses clearly at their best on turf, while others would stand out in an off-the-turf scenario on dirt.

Provided the ninth race, a $56,000, third-level allowance with an $80,000 claiming condition, stays on grass, a slight edge may go to Calvados, a stakes-placed runner who kept better company in allowance races this past winter at Gulfstream Park. Most recently, he ran fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths, when racing against a stakes-quality field there March 29.

Rafael Hernandez rides for trainer Ignacio Correas IV and owner Sagamore Farm.

Should it rain, an off-the-turf scenario would benefit Ulanbator and Russelin, two accomplished dirt horses who have yet to step foot on a grass course. Both are in the body of the nine-horse field, with Class Leader, Almost Famous, and Hazards of Love on standby as main-track-only entrants on the also-eligible list.

Race 9

Key contenders

Calvados (Last 3 Beyers: 87-76-90)

◗ An import from Argentina, where he won six races, he is winless in six races in the United States, though he has run well at times. He appears to like turf races going a long two-turn distance, and with Sunday’s ninth race at 1 1/8 miles, the conditions suit him.

R. Great Adventure (Last 3 Beyers: 81-86-83)

◗ Was freshened over the winter after going off form late last year but has proven a consistent and high-class allowance runner on turf in recent years; won three races last year on grass in Chicago.

Potomac River (Last 3 Beyers: 76-71-36)

◗ He has struggled recently but makes the third start of his current form cycle and returns to a Churchill course that he loves. He won the Grade 3 River City at 45-1 odds in late 2013.

Easy Crossing (Last 3 Beyers: 88-81-86)

◗ Fell farther off the pace than usual in his latest at Keeneland, trailing by 11 lengths early, but closed to grab third over soft going. Based on that effort, he seems to like some give in the ground. A wet turf course might work in his favor.