William Walker Stakes, now on turf, draws big field

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After getting short fields for its first three runnings, which came at six furlongs over dirt, the $100,000 William Walker Stakes should be a far more attractive race for bettors when it helps open the Churchill spring meet Saturday night. The Walker now goes at five furlongs on turf.

Masked, in off a pair of wins down the hillside turf course at Santa Anita for Bob Baffert, figures among the favorites, along with Salmanazar, who was a two-back winner of the Texas Glitter at Gulfstream Park for Todd Pletcher. A field of 10 3-year-olds has been entered.

First post for a 10-race Downs After Dark card is 6 p.m. Eastern.

◗ The 10-day forecast on Accuweather.com is calling for high temperatures of 80 on Oaks Day and 70 on Derby Day.