Churchill Downs Race 3 - Race 3 - Maiden Special Weight
SILENT WAY (3) sets the standard after a pair of solid seconds, most recently 2nd at Churchill Downs over 1710m, beaten 2.8L, and earlier 2nd at Santa Anita over 1609m, beaten 0.8L. DIRECT STRIKE (5) looks the main danger after leading and grabbing 2nd here over 2012m last start, beaten 0.5L. BOURBON DREAM (9) can improve back to this trip, having been 2nd at Gulfstream over 1609m two runs ago before a forgivable 6th at Churchill Downs over 1710m. MONEY MAN (6) was 3rd at Keeneland over 1710m last start and fits into the minors. VICTORY CORPS (1) showed speed when 3rd at Oaklawn Park over 1609m, beaten 2.4L, and could be prominent early.
Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up after debuting at Churchill Downs over 1408m on 2 May, finishing 11th of 12, beaten 23.3L by Prize Pick on a fast track with 53.5kg. Draws barrier 2 again and keeps 53.5kg. Three-year-old colt by Practical Joke out of Blue Prize for William Walden, with Axel Concepcion up. Can improve with race experience.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/12 | 02/05/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | John R Velazquez | 53.5kg | 1:21.79 | 8-11-11 | 1 |
| 23.3L | $12.22 |
Jockey: Edgar Morales
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 40-day break after finishing 4th at Keeneland over 1710m on 19 Apr, beaten 6.5L after settling back. Prior run was 7th of 8 at Turfway Park over 1207m on 13 Mar at $26. Best recent effort was 3rd at Horseshoe Indianapolis over 1609m on 12 Nov, beaten 0.9L. Blinkers go on and draws barrier 4; can improve.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 19/04/2026 | 37 | MDN 3U | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | Fast | Edgar Morales | 57kg | 1:47.02 | 6-5-4 | 5 |
| 6.5L | $45.75 |
| 7/8 | 13/03/2026 | 486 | MDN 3U | $140,449.00 | Turfway Park | 1207m | Fast | Luan Machado | 56.5kg | 1:10.98 | 5-7-7 | 8 |
| 13.8L | $17.59 |
| 3/8 | 12/11/2024 | 16 | MDN 2 | $48,706.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | Fast | Walter A Rodriguez | 55.5kg | 1:40.21 | 4-2-3 | 3 |
| 0.9L | $6.90 |
| 4/10 | 27/10/2024 | 39 | MDN 2 | $132,948.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 54kg | 1:37.12 | 10-5-4 | 5 |
| 9.8L | $28.96 |
| 4/11 | 18/09/2024 | 44 | MDN 2 | $135,294.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Luan Machado | 54kg | 1:35.65 | 10-5-4 | 11 |
| 17.3L | $17.03 |
| 3/12 | 05/08/2024 | 47 | MDN OCLM 2 | $67,588.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 54kg | 1:24.82 | 9-4-3 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $15.89 |
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 33-day break after a narrow 2nd at Churchill Downs over 2012m on 26 Apr, led throughout and was beaten 0.5L by Tiernanogue on FT going with 53.5kg. Prior run 5th at Fair Grounds over 1710m on 21 Mar, beaten 4.3L at $3 after settling mid-pack. Three-year-old colt by Into Mischief for Brad H. Cox, drawn 5 with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up, and returns to a track where he’s placed. Can feature with a similar front-running effort.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 26/04/2026 | 36 | MDN 3U | $174,672.00 | Churchill Downs | 2012m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | 2:01.41 | 1-1-2 | 7 |
| 0.5L | $4.38 |
| 5/8 | 21/03/2026 | 188 | MDN 3 | $105,337.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 54.5kg | 1:43.29 | 3-5-5 | 4 |
| 4.3L | $3.00 |
| 4/8 | 14/09/2025 | 34 | MDN 2 | $183,486.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | SP | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | 1:46.04 | 6-4-4 | 8 |
| 4.3L | $3.62 |
| 5/11 | 11/08/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $155,039.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | 1:24.96 | 3-6-5 | 8 |
| 3.7L | $5.58 |
Jockey: James Graham
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 40-day break after a solid 3rd at Keeneland over 1710m on 19 Apr, beaten 3L in a Maiden Special Weight, running on from the rear. Prior Turfway efforts were below that peak, including 8th over 1609m on 21 Jan at $13. Blinkers go on, with James Graham staying aboard for Destin G. Heath and a slight weight drop to 56.5kg. Can feature with a similar finish.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 19/04/2026 | 88 | MDN 3U | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | Fast | Jim Graham | 57kg | 1:47.02 | 7-3-3 | 7 |
| 3.0L | $13.65 |
| 8/10 | 21/01/2026 | 49 | MDN 4U | $149,477.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | Fast | Irving Moncada | 55.5kg | 1:41.56 | 9-7-8 | 3 |
| 10.3L | $12.93 |
| 7/11 | 03/12/2025 | 13 | MDN 3U | $153,139.00 | Turfway Park | 2012m | Fast | V Carrasco | 55kg | 2:02.59 | 7-7-7 | 11 |
| 9.3L | $14.19 |
| 5/7 | 20/11/2025 | 29 | MDN 3U | $183,206.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | M | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 55kg | 1:43.68 | 5-4-5 | 5 |
| 12.1L | $15.61 |
| 7/12 | 22/10/2025 | 27 | MDN 3U | $167,428.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | Good | Jim Graham | 54.5kg | 1:37.74 | 12-8-7 | 7 |
| 5.6L | $22.90 |
| 3/12 | 25/09/2025 | 34 | MDN 3U | $183,486.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | Fast | Lanfranco Dettori | 54.5kg | 1:43.12 | 12-3-3 | 2 |
| 5.0L | $38.51 |
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up after a 27-day break. Last start 4th of 12 after settling midfield at Churchill Downs over 1408m on 2 May, beaten 9.5L on FT with 53.5kg. Drops 402m in trip and draws better moving from barrier 12 to 7. Can improve with race fitness and the setup.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/12 | 02/05/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | J J Hernandez | 53.5kg | 1:21.79 | 10-4-4 | 12 |
| 9.5L | $16.52 |
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Three-year-old colt for Nicholas Vaccarezza with blinkers on. Last start 9th of 9 at Keeneland over 1408m on 19 Apr, beaten 33.5L on fast going with 54.5kg after settling back. Drops 1kg and shifts from barrier 4 to 8, with Junior Alvarado taking over. Can improve with the gear change and added experience.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/9 | 19/04/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | Mario Gutierrez | 54.5kg | 1:27.22 | 4-9-9 | 4 |
| 33.5L | $32.60 |
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Placed two runs back when 2nd at Gulfstream Park over 1609m on 28 Mar, beaten 1L by Sovereign Law with 55.5kg at $29 after racing handy. Last start 6th of 8 at Churchill Downs over 1710m on 2 May, beaten 10.3L on FT with 53.5kg after settling 4th. Blinkers go on and Jose L. Ortiz takes over from gate 9. Can feature with improvement back near the mile.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 02/05/2026 | 35 | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | Fast | Mario Gutierrez | 53.5kg | 1:41.86 | 8-6-6 | 7 |
| 10.3L | $8.81 |
| 2/8 | 28/03/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $117,978.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | Fast | Mario Gutierrez | 55.5kg | 1:38.35 | 3-2-2 | 7 |
| 1.0L | $53.80 |
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 41-day break after a solid 4th at Gulfstream Park over 1609m on 18 Apr, beaten 4L in MSW 85 after racing handy behind winner Azam. Earlier debut was 7th over 1207m there on 28 Feb, beaten 15.25L at $19. Steps out for Brendan P. Walsh with Tyler Gaffalione up, draws barrier 10 with blinkers on and drops to 53.5kg. Can feature with natural improvement at this trip.
Last Starts 42 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 18/04/2026 | 49 | MDN 3 | $98,981.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | Fast | M A Vasquez | 55.5kg | 1:37.37 | 5-2-4 | 8 |
| 4.0L | $25.40 |
| 7/10 | 28/02/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $117,978.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1207m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:10.44 | 6-8-7 | 2 |
| 15.3L | $21.30 |