Will turf course be ready for Cardinal Handicap?

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The rare case of a frozen track at Churchill Downs had horsemen and fans wondering when racing would resume in the aftermath of a Wednesday cancellation and the distinct possibility of more cancelled days.

Overnight temperatures in the 20s were forecast through Saturday morning, with daytime temperatures rising not much higher than 40 for Thursday and Friday. In the meantime, track superintendent David Lehr and his staff were working tirelessly to see whether the dirt surface could be thawed and safely prepared for racing on either of those days, with turf races certainly being switched to the main track if in fact the Thursday and/or Friday programs are held.

By Saturday, when the Cardinal Handicap is scheduled as the lone stakes here this weekend, the weather is supposed to be warmer and milder (a high near 50). Churchill racing officials therefore were informing horsemen when entries were taken Wednesday to plan on the Cardinal being held on turf. Whether adequate preparation of what has been a snow-covered turf course can be accomplished by Saturday remains to be seen, but the good news about all this weather mess is that it didn’t occur next week, when showcase events such as the Clark Handicap will be held. Temperatures in the 40s are in the long-range forecast for next week.

The Wednesday cancellation was the first because of a frozen track at Churchill since November 13, 1986, and the first for any weather-related reason since June 28, 2012, when temperatures soared past 100.

Churchill will be tacking on an additional race (such as 11 Saturday) to help make up for lost races through the end of the meet, Nov. 30.

Cardinal attracts a crowd

The Grade 3, $100,000 Cardinal drew an oversubscribed field of 16 fillies and mares, with I’m Already Sexy the starting highweight with 119 pounds. Calvin Borel has the mount for the first time on I’m Already Sexy, who drew post 1 in the field limited to 14 starters.

I’m Already Sexy is one of three horses in the Cardinal trained by Wayne Catalano, along with Angegreen and Imposing Grace, both of whom carry 114. After the Cardinal, Imposing Grace is being sent to Florida in the care of Tyler Wolbert, recently hired as the new trainer for Coffeepot Stables.

From the hedge, this is the lineup for the 1 1/8-mile Cardinal: I’m Already Sexy, Keening, Frivolous, Bitty Kitty, Angegreen, Pappascat, Imposing Grace, Nellie Cashman, Street of Gold, Antonia Autumn, Rosee Is Cozee, Strike Charmer, Northern Passion, and Royal Fury. The two also-eligibles are Annabird and Honey Lake.