This years winner of the Carter has his eyes set on taking home the top prize in this years Grade I CD here at Churchill Downs, but it could be a tough go against this field. Its been almost twenty starts since he has seen a sloppy surface, but he came home with a victory that day at the Fairgrounds, so he can only hope that it will play into his hands once again.

• Gr. I CD Stakes – Purse $500.000
• Churchill Downs- Seven Furlongs Main track
• For Four Year Olds and Upward
• May 4th, 2019

While Sonar ( John Henry ) ran a stellar race last time out, his stablemate Z One Chance also gave a great performance capturing the Gr. III Commonwealth on the same day over at Keenland Park. Both would earn a topnotch 101 SRF for their efforts with the difference in their times for the seven eights events was a mere two one hundreds of a second. So I guess its all on the line Saturday to see who will have bragging rights as to the ” best of the barn” Either way, John Henry will be smiling from ear to ear if this duo crosses the wire finishing one, two. They both deserve the respect today. Rider Saenz is back aboard Sonar, while veteran J R Velazquez picks up Z One.

From the rail will start Duke Or Earl ( Gdp Inc ) who had concentrated a lot of his early career to running on the grass, and was quite productive winning five of his nine victories. Has been in protective Allowance company in his past three starts, with a victory and a third last time out earning a 99 SRF. Distance could play into the picture, as I feel he needs a little more length to gain the wire on top.

Taking a look at the Mb Stables triple threat of runners, I would have to give the nod to Crop Duster as being a main threat to the outcome of this event. He did all he could to try to topple Z One Chance in the Commonwealth, and if the race was a slight bit longer, he may have. Has earned two 100+ SRF figures in his past two seven furlong events, so look for him to be the spoiler here. His other two entry mates are Under The Rug and Game Cent, both just off the pace runners to close in the lane. Under The Rug placed seventh , three lengths shy of Sonar in the Carter Hdcp., and would like another shot here. Trainer has placed his stead fast rider Gaffalione in the irons to try and make that happen. With Game Cent, his ability to produce over off tracks could be his rabbits foot for this event. In three straight good tracks between last year and this one, he won two and placed in the other. May be interesting to back at a key price.

With the early scratch, D J C Racing Stables Creepy Palace drops into the number two post. While a Grade I title has eluded him in his career, he has won two Gr. III titles going todays distance. Both the Mr Prospector and the General George Stakes sit proudly in his showcase. He did win the $150 Runhappy about this time last season over a muddy going, and not only that, he would earn a 101 SRF for his effort. Will be another in here who should appreciate the heavier surface.

Controlled Lion ( Our Athletes ) has yet to see an off track surface in his nineteen career starts, and still could be a late scratch on Saturday. Managed to capture the Gr. III GP Sprint Championship two starts ago, then hustled back to compete in the Gr. III Commonwealth, placing fifth, two lengths shy of two others here. Will be hard to figure with no Off track record, but maybe his trainer likes it that way?

Sent out by Night Rider Stables’ will be Major Wiener. Had just one win in nine starts last season, and that came against Alw33 company. It has also been some time that he has raced in an affair under a mile in distance. Has two runner-up finishes in minor Stakes races, but both on the grass. He will need all he can “Mustard” to get into the battle late here and leave everyone with a sauerkraut taste in their mouth. Relish the thought. ( Sorry everyone, I couldn’t resist ). Uphill battle today I’m afraid.

Final runner of the group will be Residue ( Fractious ), who ended up in a dead heat finish for sixth in the Commonwealth. Finished third in the General George Stakes a half length back of todays D J C Racing Stables entry. LAst season he took home both the Vosberg and the Forego, two strong Grade I events. If he can manage to get himself back to that caliber of competition soon, he will be a force once again. Still hoping.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES