Three stakes on Churchill's closing-day card

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Using an accelerated draw schedule to more easily facilitate the move to Ellis Park for racing-office staff this week, fields are already set for the three stakes on the 12-race closing-day card Saturday at Churchill Downs. Here is a quick rundown:

Grade 3, $100,000 Bashford Manor (race 11): A bulky field of 13 2-year-old colts and geldings is entered in the 117th running of this six-furlong fixture, with the New York-bred Tales of Chaucer likely to vie for favoritism after earning an 84 Beyer Speed Figure in a flashy debut at Belmont Park. Other major considerations include Shanghaied Roo, Weiland, Sir Truebador, and Toothless Wonder.

$100,000 Debutante (race 7): The filly counterpart to the Bashford Manor did not come up as deep or as strong, and a field of nine is entered in the 118th running of this six-furlong race. Likely favorites include Restless Rider, Shanghai Rain, and O’Keeffe.

$75,000 Kelly’s Landing (race 10): Chief Cicatriz, who earned a gaudy 110 Beyer in winning the June 2 Aristides, drew the favorable outside post in a field of 10 older horses in this seven-furlong race. Warrior’s Club, Mr. Crow, and C Z Rocket are among the opposition.

Before Saturday, when all gimmick wagers including the Single 6 will be subject to mandatory disbursements, an 11-race card will be run here Friday. First post for the last two days is 12:45 p.m. Eastern.

Ellis opens its 31-day summer meet Sunday and will be using a three-day schedule (Friday-Sunday) through meet’s end on Sept. 3.

3-day week starts Thursday

The final three-day stretch of the 38-day spring meet starts with a Twilight Thursday card highlighted by three allowances, including two in which the likely favorites are Grade 3 winners over the Churchill turf.

Will Call, winner of the Grade 3 Twins Spires Turf Sprint on the May 4 Kentucky Oaks undercard, is the 6-5 morning-line choice in race 3, a $64,000 classified allowance at 5 1/2 furlongs. The 4-year-old colt is trained by Brad Cox for Klein Racing.

Sweeping Paddy, winner of the Grade 3 Regret a little more than a year ago, will make her first start in 11 months as the 2-1 program choice in race 6, a $62,000, second-level allowance at 1 1/8 miles. The 4-year-old filly is trained by Dale Romans for Frank Jones and partners.

A third allowance, a $59,500, first-level main-track route for 3-year-olds, goes as race 7. All three allowances are part of a Single 6 sequence (races 3-8) that offers a carryover jackpot of $30,454. First post for the eight-race card is 5 p.m.