Untapable tops Fleur de Lis probables

Untapable will be back on the scene of one of her proudest moments when the 5-year-old mare runs as the favorite in a Win and You’re In race on next Saturday's Downs After Dark card, the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Handicap, at Churchill Downs.

Untapable won the 2014 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill for owner-breeder Winchell Thoroughbreds and trainer Steve Asmussen and has proceeded to earn more than $3.9 million. She will be seeking to break a six-race losing streak when ridden by Florent Geroux in the $200,000 Fleur de Lis. The winner of the 1 1/8-mile race gets an expenses-paid berth in the BC Distaff on Nov. 4.

Other known prospects include Ahh Chocolate, Engaginglee, and Paid Up Subscriber.

Gun Runner stands out in Matt Winn

Asmussen also has the favorite for the Grade 3 Matt Winn in Gun Runner, who was held out of the remaining Triple Crown events after finishing third behind Nyquist and Exaggerator in the Kentucky Derby on May 7.

Asmussen is using the 1 1/16-mile Matt Winn as a stepping-stone to the Grade 1 Haskell on July 31 at Monmouth Park.

“The timing is perfect – six weeks after the Derby and six weeks into the Haskell,” he said.

The winner of the Louisiana Derby, Gun Runner figures as the heaviest favorite of the five Downs After Dark stakes. A short field appears likely.

A pair of two-turn turf races – the Wise Dan for older horses and the Regret for 3-year-old fillies – round out the Foster stakes, and both are shaping up with sizable fields.

The list of probables for the Grade 2, $200,000 Wise Dan (formerly the Firecracker) is headed by Obviously, who is scheduled to fly east from his California base early in the week for trainer Phil D’Amato. The Poker at Belmont the same day also is being considered for the speedy 8-year-old Obviously.

The Grade 3, $100,000 Regret will have Auntie Joy, Dothraki Queen, Gone Away, and Try Your Luck in its lineup.

◗ Churchill once again will reprise an enduring tradition during the Foster program, one that began in the late 1990s with the now-defunct Kentucky Derby Alumni Day: the presentation of engraved trophies to the connections of the Derby winner. Churchill spokesman John Asher said Doug O’Neill, the trainer of Nyquist, has confirmed that he will be in attendance. However, owner Paul Reddam has a prior commitment and will be unable to attend, and jockey Mario Gutierrez will be riding that day at Santa Anita.