Churchill Downs Race 2 - Race 2 - Mdn Special Weight
DIRECT STRIKE (5) has been in the money two times including last start on May 30 when second over 1811m at this track (Dirt). Goes well here with two top-three finishes to his credit. Great chance to break through. OUR FOREFATHERS (10) has filled a minor placing at both runs this time in work and looks close to a maiden win, the latest effort a second over 1609m at this track (Dirt). Good chance to break through. MONEY MAN (9) has been racing well and is close to a win, the latest effort a solid third at this track (Dirt) over 1811m. Has a wide gate to overcome but on recent form is hard to leave out. CIVIC CHARM (7) is a two-start maiden who returned last time and finished fourth at this track (Dirt) over 1308m, beaten 4.5 lengths. Will derive great benefit from that outing and deserves consideration.
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Having third race start. At long odds at debut, got back early 7th of 9 at Keeneland on April 24 over 1207m, 17 len behind Gun Range carrying 54.5kg at $28.27. Last start 4th of 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis on May 19 over 1673m, 9 len behind Bhatia with 55.5kg at $9.30. Not doing enough of late to threaten.
Last Starts 39 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 | 19/05/2026 | 25 | MDN 3 | $44,693.00 | Indiana Downs | 1673m | Fast | Alberto Burgos | 55.5kg | 1:41.11 | 6-6-4 | 3 |
| 9.5L | $9.30 |
| 7/9 | 24/04/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 54.5kg | 1:10.71 | 9-8-7 | 4 |
| 17.0L | $28.27 |
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Jumped at big odds at debut, got back early 8th of 11 at this track on May 31 over 1308m, 7 len behind Mccann with 53.5kg at $25.58. Didn't quite do enough on debut to raise the hopes.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 31/05/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $167,364.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 53.5kg | 1:16.10 | 9-9-8 | 7 |
| 7.1L | $25.58 |
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up eased back early on 6th of 8 at Keeneland on April 19 over 1710m, 8 len behind Saugeen with 57kg at $20.32. Last start 4th in a small field at this track on May 23 over 1609m, 9 len behind National Charter carrying 56.5kg at $50.13. Preferred in something easier.
Last Starts 35 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 | 34 | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Good | Francisco Arrieta | 56.5kg | 1:35.76 | 5-4-4 | 2 |
| 9.3L | $50.13 |
| 6/8 | 19/04/2026 | 134 | MDN 3U | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | Fast | Luis Saez | 57kg | 1:47.02 | 8-7-6 | 3 |
| 8.8L | $20.32 |
| 12/12 | 06/12/2025 | 37 | MDN 3U | $153,139.00 | Turfway Park | 1207m | Fast | Emmanuel Esquivel | 55.5kg | 1:10.24 | 10-12-12 | 10 |
| 4.8L | $15.79 |
| 3/6 | 30/10/2025 | 157 | MDN 3U | $182,648.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | SP | Chase Miller | 54.5kg | 1:38.70 | 6-5-3 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $47.22 |
| 10/12 | 26/05/2025 | 43 | MDN 3U | $187,500.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Chase Miller | 53.5kg | 1:41.07 | 12-10-10 | 8 |
| 10.5L | $122.21 |
| 12/12 | 13/04/2025 | - | MDN 3 | $175,719.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Vincent Cheminaud | 54.5kg | 1:41.71 | 12-12-12 | 5 |
| 35.5L | $91.88 |
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Was well in the market at debut, settled back and ran on when 6th of 9 at this track on June 7 over 1408m, 5 len behind Penalty Box carrying 53.5kg at $4.62. Sure to kick on with that run under the belt.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 07/06/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $167,364.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | 1:21.78 | 9-6-6 | 7 |
| 5.2L | $4.62 |
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well recently. Last start 2nd of 8 at this track on May 30 over 1811m, 2.25 len behind Brave Pilot with 53.5kg at $1.81. Before that rolled along in front then was edged out late 2nd of 8 at this track on April 26 over 2012m, 0.5 len behind Tiernanogue with 53.5kg at $4.38. One of the prime contenders in a most suitable contest.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 30/05/2026 | 34 | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | 1:49.30 | 1-2-2 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $1.81 |
| 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: Luis Saez
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First start 4th of 11 at Ellis Park Turf on August 17 over 1609m, 2 len behind Swamp King carrying 54kg at $4.25. Went for a spell before returning 7th of 11 at Churchill Downs Turf on May 25 over 1710m, 7 len behind Siyouincanada with 53.5kg at $3.70. Needs to lift.
Last Starts 33 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/11 | 25/05/2026 | 281 | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Ricardo Santana Jr | 53.5kg | 1:41.71 | 1-3-7 | 3 |
| 8.0L | $3.70 |
| 4/11 | 17/08/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $155,039.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FM | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54kg | 1:36.64 | 3-6-4 | 8 |
| 2.0L | $4.25 |
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third race start. First start 4th in a small field at Gulfstream Park on March 29 over 1207m, 5.5 len behind Wyatt's World carrying 52kg at $5. Returned from break 4th of 11 at this track on May 31 over 1308m, 4.5 len behind Mccann with 53.5kg at $5.26. Expect a forward showing.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 31/05/2026 | 63 | MDN 3U | $167,364.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:16.10 | 10-8-4 | 6 |
| 4.6L | $5.26 |
| 4/6 | 29/03/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $117,978.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1207m | Fast | Taylor Kingsley | 52kg | 1:10.78 | 6-4-4 | 1 |
| 5.5L | $5.00 |
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming from a lengthy break. Only one run when 4th of 8 at Saratoga on August 9 over 1207m, 7 len behind Golden Tornado carrying 54kg at $4. Happy to work around.
Last Starts 322 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 | 09/08/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $155,039.00 | Saratoga | 1207m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 54kg | 1:10.87 | 1-4-4 | 8 |
| 7.3L | $4.00 |
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 8 at Keeneland on April 19 over 1710m, 3 len behind Saugeen with 57kg at $13.65. Last start 3rd of 8 at this track on May 30 over 1811m, 14 len behind Brave Pilot carrying 56.5kg at $22.13. Has the ability to take this out.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 30/05/2026 | 41 | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | Jim Graham | 56.5kg | 1:49.30 | 8-3-3 | 4 |
| 14.5L | $22.13 |
| 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 |
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up 3rd of 9 at Keeneland on April 19 over 1408m, 7 len behind Final Story carrying 54.5kg at $8. Last start 2nd in a small field at this track on May 23 over 1609m, 3.5 len behind National Charter with 53.5kg at $4.75. Fitter now and making headway. Will take beating.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 23/05/2026 | 34 | MDN 3U | $167,598.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Good | I Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | 1:35.76 | 2-2-2 | 4 |
| 3.5L | $4.75 |
| 3/9 | 19/04/2026 | 185 | MDN 3 | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 54.5kg | 1:27.22 | 6-3-3 | 1 |
| 7.0L | $8.00 |
| 8/11 | 16/10/2025 | 34 | MDN 2 | $167,428.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | Fast | Luis Saez | 54kg | 1:23.84 | 7-7-8 | 7 |
| 21.3L | $2.34 |
| 5/12 | 12/09/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $183,486.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Luis Saez | 54kg | 1:09.76 | 12-7-5 | 2 |
| 6.3L | $4.33 |