Solid field makes for wide-open Mint Julep Handicap

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – There’s a morning-line favorite in the Grade 3 Mint Julep Handicap at Churchill Downs, but only because there has to be. The reality of the Saturday feature is that more than half the 11 fillies and mares in the 1 1/16-mile turf fixture are capable of victory, making for what should be a fun lead-in to the Belmont Stakes simulcast.

The $100,000 Mint Julep concludes an 11-race program that starts at 12:45 p.m. Eastern. Post time for the Mint Julep is 5:58, and fans are invited to stick around to watch the Belmont (6:46) on the Big Board or television monitors.

The Mint Julep caps a multitude of multi-race wagers, including the 20-cent Single 6, which began with a little more than $400,000 in its rollover jackpot when a four-day race week began Thursday. The two supporting allowances on the Saturday card (races 6 and 9) also are part of the Single 6 sequence.

While the outcome of the Mint Julep is difficult to foresee, the pace is more predictable. Sully’s Dream, one of the tote outsiders, likely will grab the early lead, with Inchargeofme, Ministry, and the lone Grade 1 winner in the lineup, Victory to Victory, giving closest chase. Once they straighten for home, however, a whole lot could change, with any of many owning the tools to prevail, including Res Ipsa, Lovely Bernadette, Celestial Insight, and more.

This will be the 42nd running of the Mint Julep, which was first run at seven furlongs on the main track when Satan’s Cheer won under Mike Manganello in 1977. The 2017 winner was Dona Bruja, ridden by Declan Cannon.

KEY CONTENDERS

Res Ipsa, by English Channel
Last 3 Beyers: 82-95-92

◗ Although perhaps a bit overmatched in the Grade 2 Distaff Turf Mile on the Kentucky Derby undercard, this Ian Wilkes-trained mare really came to hand last fall and is eligible to work out a trip from her No. 1 post under Cannon.

Lovely Bernadette, by Wilburn
Last 3 Beyers: 76-79-92

◗ Making her first start since being transferred into the care of Bernie Flint, this winner of the Grade 2 Mrs. Revere here last fall will be looking to rebound off a couple of disappointing efforts versus some of the division’s finest.

Celestial Insight, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: 90-89-71

◗ She, too, is making her first start for a new trainer, Graham Motion, and will be returning from a seven-month layoff after ending 2017 with an allowance win over the Churchill turf.

Inchargeofme, by High Chapparal
Last 3 Beyers: 82-84-51

◗ Both of this British-bred mare’s efforts since being turned over to Charlie LoPresti have been excellent, so her recency makes her a viable consideration in this muddled mix.

Dubara, by Dubawi

◗ This British-bred filly is the obvious wild card of the group when getting first-time Lasix in her North American debut for Brendan Walsh following an eight-month layoff.

Inveniam Viam, by Half Ours
Last 3 Beyers: 76-86-86

◗ Here’s yet another contender making her first start for a new trainer, with Buff Bradley now conditioning this late-running Louisiana-bred after her form went a bit south.

Victory to Victory, by Exchange Rate
Last 3 Beyers: 64-71-80

◗ Winner of the Grade 1 Natalma as a 2-year-old maiden in September 2016, this filly stretches back out after defeating much lesser in an off-the-turf sprint here May 17.

Its Just Fate became a stakes winner in his last start when he won the $104,000 Sagamore Sired Stakes by four lengths May 23 at Indiana.