Singing Bullet going strong

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Dale Romans tied Hall of Famer Bill Mott as the all-time leading trainer in Churchill Downs history by winning his 701st race there Sunday with Seven Trumpets, and he has a good chance to surpass Mott when racing resumes at Churchill this week. He has three horses entered Wednesday, compared to one for Mott, and two on Thursday, while Mott has none that afternoon.

Romans seemingly has his best chance of victory among these with Singing Bullet in the ninth race Thursday, a second-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming condition.

Favored at 8-5 on the morning line, Singing Bullet comes off a runner-up finish against a comparable field at Keeneland on Oct. 12. That day, the colt experienced a troubled trip and was beaten 1 1/2 lengths. There is no reason to believe he won’t run as well at Churchill Downs, his home training base, where he was a threelength winner over a sloppy track in June in his first start of the year.

Alex Canchari picks up the mount on Singing Bullet from Robby Albarado, who is not riding at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Albarado, along with with Julien Leparoux, Florent Geroux, and Brian Hernandez Jr., are readying for the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar on Friday and Saturday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Singing Bullet, by Hard Spun Last 3 Beyers: 85-81-85

◗ Although he performed well in defeat at this 1 1/16mile distance at Keeneland on Oct. 12, he remains inexperienced as a router, having only made 2 of 7 starts around two turns. His only other race at 1 1/16 miles came in last year’s Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland, just the second race of his career, in which he finished sixth.

Rich Daddy, by The Daddy Last 3 Beyers: 81-87-80

◗ He raced more prominently than usual last out at Keeneland on Oct. 12, running evenly while finishing second in a $50,000 claimer, but may revert to stalking tactics Thursday. He has been most effective rallying from off the pace, and jockey Corey Lanerie may try to work out a rail-hugging trip, which he has utilized so successfully in recent years.

Vaporman, by Smoke Glacken Last 3 Beyers: 81-82-82

◗ He can run on the lead or from off the pace – versatility that has contributed to him winning 4 of 11 starts on dirt, including his last race when matched against similar at Churchill on Sept. 16. He remains at the same class level, racing for a $62,500 claiming price under the optional conditions of Thursday’s ninth.