Churchill Downs Race 8 - Race 8 - Allowance Optional Claiming
VERIFIRE (2) found a couple better when resuming last start at this track (Dirt) over this distance after he was prominent at the turn. Has found the frame in all three starts at this journey, including two wins. Should be poised just off the lead. Among the leading chances. CHAMPLIN (10) lines up for the first time since February 14. Started the last campaign in good style when in the placings over 1207m at this track. Rates highly and should take some beating. THOUGHTTHATCOUNTS (6) has been in the money at his last couple of runs, the latest when second over 1207m at this track (Dirt). Has a solid record at this circuit. One of the main contenders. TRACK MATE (7) made late ground and finished second last time over 1408m at this track (Dirt), beaten 5 lengths. Likely improver with bright prospects.

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after nine months 3rd in a small field at this track on May 22 over 1207m, 4 len behind Harrodsburg carrying 55kg at $3.18. Previously second-up scored a big 6 len win at Pimlico May 16 2025 over 1207m defeating Saxton with 55kg at $1.05. Improver with winning prospects.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 22/05/2026 | 272 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $196,927.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | SP | I Ortiz Jr | 55kg | 1:10.02 | 2-3-3 | 2 |
| 4.0L | $3.18 |
| 8/8 | 23/08/2025 | 55 | G1 OPEN 3 | $775,194.00 | Saratoga | 1408m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 56kg | 1:21.61 | 4-8-8 | 5 |
| 48.1L | $4.20 |
| 1/11 | 29/06/2025 | 44 | LR OPEN 3 | $388,802.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 53.5kg | 1:20.77 | 4-1-1 | 9 |
| 2.8L | $3.59 |
| 1/6 | 16/05/2025 | 62 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $85,641.00 | Pimlico | 1207m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 55kg | 1:10.65 | 1-1-1 | 5 |
| 6.5L | $1.05 |
| 1/8 | 15/03/2025 | - | MDN 3 | $118,859.00 | Colonial Downs | 1207m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 55.5kg | 1:08.14 | 2-1-1 | 4 |
| 6.3L | $3.60 |

Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First-up after seven months 4th in a small field at this track on May 23 over 1308m, 1.75 len behind Five O' Somewhere carrying 53.5kg at $3.05. Previously second-up ran second last of 12 at Churchill Downs Turf on November 15 over 1106m, 12 len behind Shape Note carrying 54.5kg at $6.16. Improver with definite claims.
Last Starts 25 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/6 | 23/05/2026 | 189 | ALLOW 4U | $106,145.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Good | Axel Concepcion | 53.5kg | 1:16.47 | 2-4-4 | 1 |
| 1.9L | $3.05 |
| 11/12 | 15/11/2025 | 31 | ALLOW 3U | $229,008.00 | Churchill Downs | 1106m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:02.47 | 2-9-11 | 6 |
| 12.9L | $6.16 |
| 1/4 | 15/10/2025 | 74 | ALLOW 3U | $105,023.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 55kg | 1:22.95 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 2.8L | $1.73 |
| 1/10 | 02/08/2025 | 37 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $161,240.00 | Ellis Park | 1207m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 55.5kg | 1:09.49 | 4-2-1 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $4.15 |
| 5/10 | 26/06/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $208,398.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | SP | Jaime A Torres | 56kg | 1:08.62 | 4-2-5 | 7 |
| 3.7L | $4.25 |
| 1/7 | 29/05/2025 | 18 | ALLOW 3U | $198,438.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Jaime A Torres | 56kg | 1:14.80 | 2-1-1 | 1 |
| 6.5L | $3.61 |

Jockey: Luis Saez
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently ran second last in a small field at this track on May 22 over 1207m, 9 len behind Harrodsburg carrying 55kg at $4.59. The race before that ran second last of 7 at Oaklawn Park in the G3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap on April 11 over 1207m, 6 len behind Mad House with 53kg at $13.50. Safely held last time out but this suits.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 22/05/2026 | 41 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $196,927.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | SP | Jose Ortiz | 55kg | 1:10.02 | 3-4-4 | 4 |
| 9.3L | $4.59 |
| 6/7 | 11/04/2026 | 28 | G3 OPEN 4U | $727,802.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 53kg | 1:08.93 | 4-5-6 | 1 |
| 6.0L | $13.50 |
| 2/6 | 14/03/2026 | 27 | G3 OPEN 4U | $351,124.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 56kg | 1:08.93 | 1-2-2 | 3 |
| 2.0L | $5.70 |
| 1/8 | 15/02/2026 | 83 | ALLOW 3U | $178,317.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | M | Luis Saez | 54kg | 1:09.95 | 2-1-1 | 4 |
| 2.5L | $3.90 |
| 2/9 | 24/11/2025 | 33 | LR OPEN 3 | $458,015.00 | Mahoning Valley | 1207m | Fast | Luis Saez | 53kg | 1:10.46 | 7-2-2 | 6 |
| 1.8L | $12.30 |
| 4/7 | 22/10/2025 | 277 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $197,869.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | Fast | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | 1:10.54 | 4-3-4 | 5 |
| 1.0L | $4.86 |

Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 48 day let-up. At the latest run ran on from midfield; 2nd of 8 at this track in LR on April 30 over 1207m, 6 len behind Maximum Bourbon carrying 56kg at $20.74. The race before that 3rd of 7 at Oaklawn Park on April 4 over 1207m, 4 len behind Touchdown Arkansas carrying 55kg at $2.90. A top-three finish would surprise.
Last Starts 48 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 | 30/04/2026 | 26 | LR OPEN 4U | $279,330.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 56kg | 1:08.81 | 4-4-2 | 6 |
| 5.8L | $20.74 |
| 3/7 | 04/04/2026 | 21 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $183,406.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | SP | Keith J Asmussen | 55kg | 1:10.46 | 1-3-3 | 7 |
| 3.8L | $2.90 |
| 5/6 | 14/03/2026 | 34 | G3 OPEN 4U | $351,124.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Keith J Asmussen | 56kg | 1:08.93 | 3-5-5 | 6 |
| 5.0L | $6.10 |
| 4/5 | 08/02/2026 | 36 | LR OPEN 4U | $213,980.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 56kg | 1:09.44 | 2-4-4 | 3 |
| 5.5L | $4.30 |
| 1/9 | 03/01/2026 | 595 | LR OPEN 4U | $201,794.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 53kg | 1:09.72 | 5-1-1 | 5 |
| 2.3L | $11.00 |
| 6/6 | 18/05/2024 | 16 | G3 OPEN 3U | $152,905.00 | Pimlico | 1207m | M | Joel Rosario | 56kg | 1:11.19 | 1-6-6 | 6 |
| 14.3L | $6.60 |

Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well recently. At the latest run 2nd of 8 at this track on May 21 over 1408m, 5 len behind Built carrying 55kg at $19.81. The run before that 4th in a small field at Keeneland in the G3 Commonwealth Stakes on April 4 over 1408m, 6 len behind Saudi Crown carrying 53.5kg at $10.22. Genuine hope on best form.
Last Starts 27 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 | 21/05/2026 | 47 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $206,704.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 55kg | 1:22.54 | 8-7-2 | 6 |
| 4.8L | $19.81 |
| 4/6 | 04/04/2026 | 56 | G3 OPEN 4U | $509,461.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 53.5kg | 1:22.56 | 6-3-4 | 2 |
| 6.0L | $10.22 |
| 2/8 | 07/02/2026 | 69 | LR OPEN 4U | $178,317.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1207m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 53.5kg | 1:09.74 | 7-5-2 | 4 |
| 2.0L | $4.70 |
| 7/11 | 30/11/2025 | 49 | LR OPEN 3U | $381,679.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Luis Saez | 55kg | 1:34.41 | 1-5-7 | 1 |
| 7.0L | $19.92 |
| 1/6 | 12/10/2025 | 477 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $213,090.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 55kg | 1:10.11 | 6-1-1 | 1 |
| 1.3L | $7.44 |
| 4/7 | 22/06/2024 | 23 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $212,991.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Rafael Bejarano | 55kg | 1:08.54 | 6-6-4 | 2 |
| 4.3L | $4.44 |

Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently ran last of 8 at this track on May 21 over 1408m, 15 len behind Built carrying 56kg at $9.19. Before that 9th of 11 at this track in the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes on May 2 over 1408m, 15 len behind T O Elvis with 56kg at $46.25. Tempted to look elsewhere on recent form.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 21/05/2026 | 19 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $206,704.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Luis Saez | 56kg | 1:22.54 | 1-6-8 | 4 |
| 15.2L | $9.19 |
| 9/11 | 02/05/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,396,648.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Javier Castellano | 56kg | 1:20.49 | 2-8-9 | 3 |
| 15.9L | $46.25 |
| 6/9 | 28/03/2026 | 246 | LR OPEN 4U | $245,787.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1408m | Fast | Javier Castellano | 54.5kg | 1:23.11 | 5-6-6 | 8 |
| 4.9L | $5.60 |
| 4/7 | 25/07/2025 | 48 | G2 OPEN 3 | $305,810.00 | Saratoga | 1308m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 56kg | 1:15.64 | 6-3-4 | 1 |
| 7.3L | $2.60 |
| 7/10 | 07/06/2025 | 35 | G1 OPEN 3 | $777,605.00 | Saratoga | 1408m | M | Javier Castellano | 55.5kg | 1:21.36 | 7-3-7 | 3 |
| 6.3L | $7.20 |
| 1/9 | 03/05/2025 | 34 | G2 OPEN 3 | $937,500.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | SP | Javier Castellano | 53.5kg | 1:35.65 | 4-1-1 | 7 |
| 3.3L | $14.93 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 50-day let-up. Last start raced on speed throughout when 3rd of 8 at this track on April 28 over 1509m, 9 len behind U Devil You with 56kg at $6.98. The start before that won by 2.75 len at Fairgrounds March 15 over 1207m defeating Honky Tonk Highway with 54.5kg at $2.50. Favour others today.
Last Starts 50 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 | 28/04/2026 | 44 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $205,240.00 | Churchill Downs | 1509m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:27.71 | 3-4-3 | 4 |
| 9.8L | $6.98 |
| 1/6 | 15/03/2026 | 29 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $78,652.00 | Fairgrounds | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 54.5kg | 1:09.12 | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 2.8L | $2.50 |
| 9/10 | 14/02/2026 | 230 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $92,725.00 | Fairgrounds | 1207m | Fast | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | 1:09.27 | 1-5-9 | 10 |
| 10.7L | $5.50 |
| 9/11 | 29/06/2025 | 35 | LR OPEN 3 | $388,802.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Jaime A Torres | 53.5kg | 1:20.77 | 8-7-9 | 11 |
| 17.5L | $16.42 |
| 1/11 | 25/05/2025 | 22 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $198,438.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:09.35 | 3-2-1 | 7 |
| 0.1L | $2.60 |
| 4/10 | 03/05/2025 | 42 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $198,438.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | SP | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:15.69 | 1-3-4 | 2 |
| 7.0L | $12.75 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four months. Finished off last preparation fourth in a small field at Fairgrounds Turf in the LR February 14 over 1106m, 1.4 len behind Usually Wrong with 53.5kg at $12.70. First up last campaign second of 10 at this track in the LR May 1 2025 over 1207m, 1.5 len behind Fort Bragg carrying 53.5kg at $5.28. Anticipating a bright start to this prep.
Last Starts 123 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/6 | 14/02/2026 | 28 | LR OPEN 4U | $142,653.00 | Fairgrounds | 1106m | FM | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | 1:02.28 | 5-4-4 | 6 |
| 1.4L | $12.70 |
| 1/9 | 17/01/2026 | 27 | LR OPEN 4U | $149,477.00 | Delta Downs | 1006m | Fast | Mitchell Murrill | 53.5kg | 0:58.09 | 5-2-1 | 5 |
| 1.5L | $2.40 |
| 5/6 | 21/12/2025 | 24 | ALLOW 3U | $91,884.00 | Fairgrounds | 1106m | FM | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54.5kg | 1:01.96 | 1-1-5 | 2 |
| 4.9L | $4.50 |
| 3/10 | 27/11/2025 | 26 | ALLOW 3U | $225,954.00 | Churchill Downs | 1106m | FM | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | 1:03.27 | 5-2-3 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $22.00 |
| 6/7 | 01/11/2025 | 50 | LR OPEN 3U | $458,015.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Mitchell Murrill | 55kg | 1:09.58 | 7-4-6 | 4 |
| 10.3L | $4.57 |
| 2/7 | 12/09/2025 | 54 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $215,596.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55kg | 1:15.21 | 2-1-2 | 2 |
| 1.8L | $3.53 |

Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Back after a long spell. Only had one start last preparation ran last of 8 at Del Mar in the G1 Breeders Cup Dirt Mile on November 1 over 1609m, 39 len behind Nysos with 54.5kg at $31. Won previous preparation first up won by 9 len at Maronas LR April 27 2025 over 1300m defeating Tadow Star with 55kg at $2.30. Cannot enthuse.
Last Starts 228 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 01/11/2025 | 125 | G1 OPEN 3U | $1,526,718.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | Fast | Luis A Caceres | 54.5kg | 1:34.71 | 4-8-8 | 8 |
| 39.9L | $31.00 |
| 1/6 | 29/06/2025 | 28 | G3 STK 2U | $55,804.00 | Maronas | 1600m | Luis Alberto Caceres | 51.5kg | 1:34.39 | - | 1 |
| 5.0L | $2.50 | |
| 1/12 | 01/06/2025 | 35 | STK C 2 | $70,685.00 | Maronas | 1400m | Good | Luis Alberto Caceres | 55kg | 1:21.46 | - | 6 |
| 7.0L | $2.20 |
| 1/9 | 27/04/2025 | 84 | LR STK C 2 | $29,252.00 | Maronas | 1300m | Good | Luis Alberto Caceres | 55kg | 1:15.68 | - | 2 |
| 9.0L | $2.30 |
| 1/7 | 02/02/2025 | 21 | STK H 2U | $22,978.00 | Maronas | 1000m | Good | Luis Alberto Caceres | 55kg | 0:58.86 | - | 2 |
| 1.5L | $2.80 |
| 1/7 | 12/01/2025 | - | MSW C 2 | $16,628.00 | Maronas | 1100m | Good | Luis Alberto Caceres | 55kg | 1:06.45 | - | 6 |
| 4.0L | $4.30 |