Churchill Downs, Race 9
8.5 Furlongs, Dirt
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#1 Ready To Pounce 15/1
Triggered a 75/74 COMP debuting on the main track while routing, a professional move for a young runner and a spot most can move forward off of. Those Figures rank near the bottom compared to this tough group so you'll need proper large odds to back how much improvement we'll be asking for. Tough spot facing winners for first time while likely getting buried in the field early from the inside post.
#2 Helium 5/2
Owns a good-looking foundation setting a 74/76 COMP* on debut. The asterisk on a COMP designation indicates runner set a REV at the same time. These runners often develop into solid stakes horses as we see here. As a lightly-raced runner, he's eligible to breakthrough the DTOP from the Derby and returns to a distance he's proven at with a 74/76.
#3 O Besos 2/1
Progressed well with more distance moving his dirt spread (4F minus Final) -7 to -10 to -14 over his routing career. Questionable that a cut back in distance would benefit this type of runner. While his 82 from the Derby is a top figure on this field, his Final Figures from the shorter distances leave something to be desired. Tough to yield favoritism to offering little value.
#5 Fulsome 5/2
Set a foundation on turf building stamina before moving to the main track going 2 for 2 as a winner on both a fast and sloppy going. The combo of a REV into an NPT is solid conditioning move to look for a big step forward. He does lack on 4F Figures compared to this field so I'd prefer to see his odds a bit higher than this morning line.
#7 Sittin On Go 8/1
Had a bit of a conditioning breakout in last popping an 81/77 NPT in his best showing since winning the Grade 3 Iroquois as a juvenile. Back in 28 days here, fits the criteria for a runner very likely to improve. Often left well out of position with a resume facing tip top rivals, he could get some confidence in this one possibly better placed with most of this field content on 4F Figures in the 60s.
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