Stakes winners look to turn back time in turf mile
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Wednesday’s ninth race at Churchill Downs, a second-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming option, offers more than a $63,000 purse for four of its entrants. For Croninthebarbarian, High Noon Rider, Sky Flight, and Abtaal, it also provides an opportunity to prove that they still have the talent that enabled them to become stakes winners.
As a two-time stakes winner who has placed in two graded stakes for owner John Oxley, Sky Flight appears to be the class of the field. But he hasn’t raced since Jan. 16, when seventh in the Col. E.R. Bradley Stakes at Fair Grounds, and could be at a fitness disadvantage against rivals who have been in action in recent months. He has been working steadily for his return, first at Keeneland and lately over the Churchill Downs main track.
Having run through his allowance conditions, Sky Flight has been entered for a $62,500 claiming price to be eligible for the race by trainer Mark Casse.
High Noon Rider, the winner of the Better Talk Now Stakes at Saratoga in 2015, is also eligible to be claimed for $62,500. He was claimed for that price at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 10 by owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey, and after a disappointing performance when ninth at Keeneland on Oct. 19, he is moved back in with easier company.
The other stakes winners, Croninthebarbarian and Abtaal, compete under the allowance conditions, along with the majority of the 12 horses in the body of the field in a race that also has four also-eligibles.
Although winless since taking the Kentucky Downs Juvenile in September 2014, Croninthebarbarian comes off an encouraging performance when rallying to be second at Keeneland on Oct. 13. He is drawn on the inside, giving him the opportunity to save ground with a relatively short run to the first turn in Wednesday’s ninth race, contested on the grass course at a mile.
Key Contenders
Croninthebarbarian, by Stroll
Last 3 Beyers: 86-78-71
◗ Raced wide in the 4 path at Keeneland on Oct. 13 and showed determination to close and narrowly grab second in a blanket finish for the place.
High Noon Rider, by Distorted Humor
Last 3 Beyers: 76-86-90
◗ Trainer Mike Maker is winning a 28 percent rate when teaming with jockey Florent Geroux in 2015-16.
R. Great Adventure, by Limehouse
Last 3 Beyers: 91-73-90
◗ Owns the top last-race Beyer Speed Figure, a 91 earned in finishing third behind Coalport and Allied Air Raid in a challenging allowance race at Keeneland on Oct. 15.