Trip key for Wilbo in Don Bernhardt

Corey Lanerie worked out a perfect trip aboard Wilbo from the No. 1 hole in a victory at the Churchill Downs spring meet. Trainer Chris Hartman is hoping for more of the same Saturday at Ellis Park in western Kentucky, where Wilbo will break from the rail against nine other older horses in the 40th running of the $50,000 Don Bernhardt.

“Corey put a perfect ride on him that day,” Hartman said, referring to a May 12 allowance score that preceded a solid runner-up finish behind Limousine Liberal in the Grade 3 Aristides at Churchill. “Let’s hope we can get something just like that Saturday.”

A 5-year-old gelding owned by Chris Wilkins, Wilbo figures as a lukewarm favorite in the 6 1/2-furlong Bernhardt, with strong support also likely for The Truth Or Else and Black Bear. An earner of more than $300,000, Wilbo shows just one workout since the June 3 Aristides, but Hartman said not to worry.

“We have had our battles with him,” said Hartman, “but he’s actually trained right along since his last race. He was supposed to run [two weeks ago] in Iowa, but we decided to pass and wait for this.”

The Truth Or Else has kept classy company for much of his 31-race career, but trainer Kenny McPeek said he wants to keep the 5-year-old away from Grade 1 types this summer and fall.

“This is the kind of spot we’ll keep him in,” said McPeek. “He’s pretty effective around one turn, preferably a little longer than six furlongs.”

The Bernhardt, named for the late sports editor of the Evansville Courier & Press, was first run in 1970. It goes as the eighth of nine Saturday races on a card that also includes one allowance (race 4) and five maiden races. First post is 12:50 p.m. Central, with the feature going at 4:10.

After Saturday, the next stakes day at Ellis is Aug. 13, featuring the Grade 3 Groupie Doll.

KEY CONTENDERS

Wilbo, by Candy Ride Last 3 Beyers: 89-98-83

◗ Handy and consistent, he merits top respect in here, especially given another groundsaving ride from Lanerie, who led the Ellis standings into Friday.

The Truth Or Else, by Yes It’s True Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-95

◗ A rapid pace invariably is a key to his success since much of his field-high bankroll of $603,142 has been earned when he kicked home from well behind.

Black Bear, by Midnight Lute Last 3 Beyers: 72-89-88

◗ The 2016 Bernhardt runnerup behind Gorgeous Bird, he has been regrouped by trainer Randy Morse since getting away to an awful start in the May 12 allowance won by Wilbo.

Manhattan Mischief, by Into Mischief Last 3 Beyers: 85-84-92

◗ Erstwhile claimer may be a cut below on class, but his Beyer Speed Figures are competitive, and he’ll have clear sailing from his favorable outside post.