The Truth Or Else drops from Grade 1
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The degrees of separation between a Grade 1 stakes and an upper-level allowance might be enough to make The Truth Or Else the favorite in the Sunday feature at Churchill Downs, but sometimes it’s difficult to judge what is and is not an edge in class.
The Truth Or Else fared respectably in the Grade 1 Forego on Travers Day at Saratoga, although it’s worth noting that he was dismissed at 71-1 prior to that sixth-place finish. Whether that running line makes him superior to his six opponents is what needs to be determined in the ninth of 10 Sunday races, a $51,000, six-furlong race with a mix of allowance conditions and a $100,000 claiming option.
Corey Lanerie, the leading jockey at 11 of the last 12 Churchill meets, will have the mount on The Truth Or Else when the 4-year-old colt turns back from the seven-furlong Forego for Magdalena Racing and trainer Ken McPeek.
First post is 12:45 p.m. Eastern, with the feature going at 4:48. It’s Family Adventure Day, so the kids will be out in force with their horseplaying moms and dads.
After Sunday, Churchill goes dark for three days before the first of two twilight Thursday cards (post, 5 p.m.) kicks off a four-day week. The 11-day meet runs through Oct. 2.
KEY CONTENDERS
The Truth Or Else, by Yes It’s True
Last 3 Beyers: 94-90-97
◗ His upset at Belmont Park three starts back was a wake-up of sorts. He rallied from well off a scorching pace in that optional claimer, and surely Lanerie will try to gather him into a rhythmic stride before making a similar late move.
Gorgeous Bird, by Unbridled’s Song
Last 3 Beyers: 81-88-81
◗ A winner of the Bernhardt at Ellis Park two starts back for trainer Ian Wilkes, this Whitney Stables homebred hasn’t exactly been the most reliable of performers but has shown flashes of brilliance.
Hebbronville, by Majesticperfection
Last 3 Beyers: 70-91-85
◗ Winner of an undercard stakes on Breeders’ Cup weekend last fall at Keeneland, this colt, trained by Lynn Whiting, has a series of nice local works in returning from a six-month-plus layoff.
Black Bear, by Midnight Lute
Last 3 Beyers: 87-87-94
◗ In a race noticeably lacking speed, this seven-time winner from 15 career starts will be stretching out from a 4 1/2-furlong race and is likely to make the early running.