Try and catch Chief of Affairs

Trainer Brett Calhoun hopes Chief of Affairs can make amends for a tough loss in last month's Grade 3 Count Fleet Handicap at Oaklawn Park when he faces four other older sprinters in the $75,000 James Whitcomb Riley at Indiana Downs on Wednesday evening.

The 4-year-old Chief of Affairs has hit the board in all five starts since returning from a freshening last Dec. 5, including his first stakes win in the restricted Spirit of Texas at Sam Houston.

Most recently, Chief of Affairs led every step of the way until the final yards of the six-furlong Count Fleet, surrendering a 2 1/2-length lead in the final furlong to lose by a neck to Custom for Carlos.

Chief of Affairs has posted back-to-back Beyer Speed Figures of 105 and 106, which are far superior to all but one of his opponents on Wednesday night.

Chief of Affairs looks to be the speed of the bunch and may have everything his own way in the six-furlong Whitcomb Riley. Miguel Mena will come in from Churchill Downs to ride.

Should Chief of Affairs have an off night, Riley Tucker could pick up the pieces. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the 5-year-old Riley Tucker has not been off the board in his four starts this year, highlighted by a win by a nose in a high-priced optional claimer and a second in the Hot Springs, both at Oaklawn.

Last time out, Riley Tucker finished 2 1/2 lengths behind Chief of Affairs in the Count Fleet. He recorded a career-best 106 Beyer as the runner-up in last summer's Grade 2 Tom Fool at Belmont.

Shaun Bridgmohan, who rode Riley Tucker in the Count Fleet, will ship in to retain the mount.