Maker pair bring contrasting styles

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The last of nine races Thursday at Churchill Downs drew 30 entries, a common occurrence over the last several weeks. But now that racing has reopened in numerous other states, the pace of entries at Churchill has reverted to the norm.

Whereas 200-plus horses a day had flooded the entry box early in the 26-day spring meet, a dissipation of available horseflesh has followed. For instance, a mere 86 horses are on the overnight for Thursday, and that includes 11 also-eligibles from two of the races.

A pair of first-level allowances, each worth as much as $81,000, anchor the card. Both are for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles, with race 6 for colts and geldings on the turf and race 8 for fillies on the main track.

Mike Maker appears to hold the strongest hand in race 6 with the uncoupled duo of Blanket of Roses and Fancy Liquor. Their running styles are starkly complementary: Blanket of Roses rallied from well back when finishing first or second in his last three starts, while Fancy Liquor has flashed big speed in his two starts, most recently in the March 14 Jeff Ruby Steaks.

In all, 11 are entered, including three main track-only designates. The Thursday forecast calls for sunshine and temperatures in the mid-80s following Tuesday and Wednesday rain.

In race 8, it’s trainer Rudy Brisset who seems to stand the best chance. The 36-yearold Frenchman has two of the favorites in a field of seven, with Aurelia Garland shedding blinkers while stretching out from an encouraging May 16 return and Velvet Crush looking to improve off a rather disappointing May 3 comeback at Gulfstream Park.

Ken McPeek, back from a successful foray to California last weekend with Swiss Skydiver, winner of the Santa Anita Oaks, also has an uncoupled pair in race 8 in Impeccable Style and Morning Gold.

Both allowances are part of the Single 6, which had its jackpot emptied Sunday when a solo winner hit for $283,200. The sequence spans races 4-9, ending with the $79,000 turf mile that drew 30 maiden special entries. Only as many as 10 will be allowed to start in the finale.

Churchill continues to conduct racing without spectators, although as of last weekend a limited number of owners are being permitted to attend their horses’ races, with numerous coronavirus-related restrictions being enforced.

First post every day is 1 p.m. Eastern.