Well-matched field in Churchill turf feature

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A program-ending pick four consisting entirely of six-figure races is the collective highlight of a twilight Thursday card at Churchill Downs, where the first of eight races goes at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Three allowances with purses ranging from $102,000 to $109,000 and a $100,000 maiden-special comprise the 50-cent late pick four (races 5-8). The designated feature is race 5, although there’s a catch – a high chance of rain was in the forecast for Wednesday and continuing into Thursday, so both it and the race 8 finale might be forced off the turf.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances - the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

If the $109,000 feature does stay on grass, it would shape up as extremely well matched, at least as far as the tote is concerned; on the Churchill morning line, all eight main-body entrants are in a narrow window ranging from 7-2 to 8-1. But if it’s rained off, the two main track-only also-eligibles, Palace Avenger and Inthemidstofbiz, could dominate the pre-race speculation, while the would-be Maryland shipper, Dontletsweetfoolya, also would move up in bettors’ eyes.

Listed purses for all non-claiming/starter races at Churchill include sizable supplements restricted to horses registered to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

The only stakes at Churchill during a four-day race week that begins Thursday is a $110,000 overnight race, the Mighty Beau for older turf sprinters. It will be run Saturday before the Belmont Stakes is simulcast throughout the Churchill plant, including on the outdoor Big Board.