Toasting Master should benefit from rail draw in route
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Toasting Master is 3 for 4 over the Churchill Downs main track – his only loss a second-place finish when debuting a couple of years ago – and he has the inside post in a 1 1/16-mile dirt race with a short run to the first of two turns, so he holds the advantage in Wednesday’s featured ninth race at Churchill Downs.
The inside post should allow him to save ground and establish a favorable early running position in the $63,000, second-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming condition.
Jesus Castanon has options with Toasting Master, the 2-1 morning-line favorite, with the horse proven on the lead or from off the pace. And that ability to rate could prove key Wednesday, with three of the seven entrants – For Goodness Sake, Capital Letters, and Go Go Rocket – seemingly comfortable going to the front.
A 4-year-old colt by Congrats purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds for $220,000 at the OBS March sale of 2-year-olds in training, Toasting Master is already a two-time winner in second-level allowances/optional claimers for trainer Dale Romans and remains eligible for Wednesday’s race by starting for a $62,500 claiming price.
He also raced for a $62,500 tag when last competing Sept. 16 at Churchill, where he won by a half-length while defeating Gotham News and Capital Letters, two rivals he faces Wednesday. That victory pushed his earnings to $161,879.
If a fast pace develops, that likely would improve the chances of stalkers Goats Town, Task Force Glory, and Gotham News.
Key Contenders
Toasting Master, by Congrats
Last 3 Beyers: 90-90-70
◗ Enters this race in sharp form, having been first or second in three of his last four starts, with the exception coming in a turf race.
Gotham News, by Awesome Again
Last 3 Beyers: 86-76-89
◗ He makes his second start for trainer Steve Asmussen after being trained by Phil D’Amato for his first six races of 2016. He finished fifth in a prior start for Asmussen, running 2 1/2 lengths behind Toasting Master on Sept. 16 at Churchill.
Capital Letters, by Afleet Alex
Last 3 Beyers: 88-84-84
◗ Should appreciate a cutback in distance from 1 1/8 miles after setting a fast pace Oct. 8 at Keeneland and fading to third in the final furlong.
