Derby Champagne in turf route

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the summer solstice nears, the Churchill Downs lights aren’t on nearly as much as at other times of year. Sunrise comes when the first set is on the track in the morning, and sunset is so late that an entire Twilight Thursday card could be run without artificial means, if needed.

That’s the backdrop for an eight-race card that kicks off a four-day race week Thursday, when first post is 5 p.m. Eastern and the last goes at 8:23. One allowance and a supporting starter allowance are the modest highlights of a program otherwise filled with maiden and/or claiming races, with the nominal feature going as race 7.

Derby Champagne, favorably drawn to the hedge with Brian Hernandez Jr. back to ride, looks as good as any of the nine 3-year-olds and up in the $51,000 allowance, which carries a first-level condition at 1 1/16 miles on turf. Trained by Rusty Arnold for Preston Madden, Derby Champagne is the leading earner in the field with a bankroll of $92,589 on the strength of two wins and four other in-the-money finishes in his 13-race career.

Foremost among the opposition are Zambian (post 7, Shaun Bridgmohan), in the money in 12 of 17 starts for owner and breeder Silverton Hill Farm and trainer Darrin Miller; Pontifical (post 6, Corey Lanerie), trying a route after two turf sprints for Paul McGee; and Sea Rover (post 9, Chris Landeros), who would seem to benefit from a recent return to action for Brian Williamson.

Rounding out the lineup are Dawn Raider, Paddy Not Patty, Ingadore, Conquest Mystique, and Speed Gracer.

Every Thursday here after the Kentucky Derby is a twilight card, with specially priced concessions and live music on offer for ontrack fans.

KEY CONTENDERS

Derby Champagne, by Pulpit Last 3 Beyers: 75-84-77

◗ After needing six tries to pass through the maiden ranks, this 4-year-old homebred has become productive and consistent and figures to get through this condition before too much longer.

Pontifical, by Gio Ponti Last 2 Beyers: 71-71

◗ This 4-year-old grass-bred gelding will get his first Lasix shot when making the leap from five-furlong races for

McGee, who sent out a similar stretch-out/first-Lasix winner here Sunday (Domonette, $17.60).

Zambian, by Smart Strike Last 3 Beyers: 84-81-84

◗ The return from a six-month layoff is the primary concern for a versatile veteran who was last seen being narrowly defeated in a similar spot on closing day of the Churchill fall meet.

Sea Rover, by English Channel Last 3 Beyers: 70-67-67

◗ Three-year-old “house horse” owns something of a rare record from his six career starts: He has finished first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth.