Churchill Downs Race 7 - Race 7 - Claiming
GARDINER (6) is a distance specialist who finished out of the money two starts back then was beaten 2 lengths when fourth in a 1207m contest at this track five weeks ago after being prominent at the bend. Tackling a more suitable race this time so he can find the winners' list. SOCIAL HOUR (8) started at $2.78 last time but could only manage fifth, beaten 5 lengths, at this track over 1207m. Should park just off the speed. Among the leading chances. OPTIMAL COURAGE (4) was a most impressive winner last time over 1106m at Belterra Park (Dirt), scoring by 3 lengths. Has been in solid form this campaign with a win and a placing from four starts. Expected to be competitive. DECATUR STREET (9) was unplaced two runs back then again missed the frame last start over 1207m at Keeneland, beaten 5 lengths into fourth. Nicely placed to find some form.

Jockey: Carlos Montalvo
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 32-day let-up. Most recently 7th of 9 at Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf on September 30 over 1006m, 7 len behind American Wind with 55.5kg at $26. The start before that ran second last in a small field at Belterra Park on August 28 over 1207m, 14 len behind Sock It To Me carrying 55.5kg at $4.70. Needs to step up.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 30/09/2026 | 33 | CLM 3U | $28,736.00 | Indiana Downs | 1006m | FM | Antongeorgi Iii William | 55.5kg | 0:55.99 | 6-7-7 | 6 |
| 7.3L | $26.00 |
| 4/5 | 28/08/2026 | 30 | ALLOW 3U | $22,111.00 | Belterra Park | 1207m | Fast | Guillermo Rodriguez | 55.5kg | 1:09.70 | 2-4-4 | 3 |
| 14.5L | $4.70 |
| 4/5 | 29/07/2026 | 104 | ALLOW 3U | $22,496.00 | Belterra Park | 1207m | Fast | Guillermo Rodriguez | 55.5kg | 1:09.99 | 1-4-4 | 5 |
| 5.5L | $3.60 |
| 1/6 | 16/04/2026 | 29 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $26,929.00 | Turf Paradise | 1207m | Fast | I Enriquez | 55.5kg | 1:08.67 | 2-1-1 | 2 |
| 4.8L | $6.90 |
| 5/6 | 18/03/2026 | 56 | ALLOW 4U | $29,494.00 | Turf Paradise | 1006m | Fast | Kiaman McGregor | 55.5kg | 0:56.35 | 2-3-5 | 6 |
| 4.5L | $3.80 |
| 8/8 | 21/01/2026 | 287 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $31,390.00 | Turf Paradise | 1207m | Fast | I Enriquez | 55.5kg | 1:08.67 | 3-6-8 | 3 |
| 8.2L | $20.10 |

Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after two months ran last of 10 at Horseshoe Indianapolis on October 8 over 1710m, 17 len behind Mitch carrying 55.5kg at $61.70. Previously second-up ran second last in a small field at Horseshoe Indianapolis on June 17 over 1207m, 5.5 len behind Neutron with 55.5kg at $10.70. Fitter but must improve sharply.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | 08/10/2026 | 70 | ALLOW 3U | $57,471.00 | Indiana Downs | 1710m | Fast | Santo Sanjur | 55.5kg | 1:43.64 | 10-10-10 | 7 |
| 17.0L | $61.70 |
| 1/6 | 30/07/2026 | 43 | CLM 3U | $24,673.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | Fast | Santo Sanjur | 55.5kg | 1:39.64 | 6-1-1 | 5 |
| 3.3L | $2.60 |
| 5/6 | 17/06/2026 | 23 | CLM 3U | $34,868.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Santo Sanjur | 55.5kg | 1:09.36 | 5-4-5 | 6 |
| 5.4L | $10.70 |
| 6/8 | 25/05/2026 | 194 | ALLOW 3U | $55,866.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | Fast | R Prescott | 55.5kg | 1:03.24 | 3-6-6 | 8 |
| 8.8L | $22.90 |
| 6/10 | 12/11/2025 | 28 | ALLOW 3U | $51,908.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | Fast | R Prescott | 53.5kg | 1:36.86 | 8-9-6 | 6 |
| 7.8L | $116.50 |
| 8/10 | 15/10/2025 | 58 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $60,883.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | Fast | Santo Sanjur | 55.5kg | 1:04.03 | 8-7-8 | 10 |
| 7.5L | $16.80 |

Jockey: Abel Cedillo
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. Comes off a 39-day let-up. First-up after three months ran second last of 7 at this track on September 23 over 1207m, 7 len behind Doctor Jeff carrying 55kg at $12.09. Previously second-up ran last in a small field at this track on May 16 over 1207m, 6 len behind Slider carrying 56kg at $13.03. Don't underestimate.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 | 23/09/2026 | 73 | CLM 3U | $62,500.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Francisco Arrieta | 55kg | 1:10.58 | 7-7-6 | 3 |
| 7.3L | $12.09 |
| 7/8 | 12/07/2026 | 23 | CLM 3U | $61,684.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | SP | Francisco Arrieta | 55.5kg | 1:22.85 | 2-8-7 | 8 |
| 12.6L | $8.01 |
| 1/6 | 19/06/2026 | 19 | CLM 3U | $69,735.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Francisco Arrieta | 56kg | 1:17.56 | 2-5-1 | 2 |
| 0.8L | $3.63 |
| 3/6 | 31/05/2026 | 15 | CLM 3U | $69,735.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Francisco Arrieta | 56kg | 1:10.54 | 2-3-3 | 6 |
| 1.8L | $8.80 |
| 6/6 | 16/05/2026 | 22 | CLM 3U | $87,989.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | SP | C Lanerie | 56kg | 1:10.89 | 3-6-6 | 2 |
| 6.5L | $13.03 |
| 5/8 | 24/04/2026 | 433 | CLM 3U | $65,502.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | SP | L Quinonez | 55.5kg | 1:10.55 | 8-8-5 | 6 |
| 4.6L | $19.60 |

Jockey: Guillermo Rodriguez
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 31-day let-up. Last start ran on from midfield and won by 3 len at Belterra Park on October 1 over 1106m defeating Boat Song carrying 56kg at $2. The race before that ran second last of 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis on September 15 over 1207m, 9 len behind Rocket Hoss with 55.5kg at $9.70. Hard to beat again.
Last Starts 32 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 01/10/2026 | 16 | CLM 3U | $11,494.00 | Belterra Park | 1106m | Fast | Guillermo Rodriguez | 56kg | 1:03.78 | 3-1-1 | 3 |
| 3.0L | $2.00 |
| 7/8 | 15/09/2026 | 22 | CLM 3U | $19,444.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Antongeorgi Iii William | 55.5kg | 1:10.93 | 2-6-7 | 5 |
| 9.3L | $9.70 |
| 5/6 | 24/08/2026 | 44 | HCP 3U | $24,251.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Antongeorgi Iii William | 55.5kg | 1:11.76 | 5-5-5 | 6 |
| 11.8L | $27.80 |
| 2/8 | 11/07/2026 | 73 | CLM 3U | $20,319.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | Heavy | Alexis Achard | 55.5kg | 1:04.00 | 2-2-2 | 6 |
| 1.5L | $4.30 |
| 6/8 | 29/04/2026 | 21 | CLM 3U | $29,112.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | SP | Guillermo Rodriguez | 55.5kg | 1:04.08 | 4-4-6 | 6 |
| 12.3L | $7.60 |
| 7/11 | 08/04/2026 | 19 | CLM 3U | $25,473.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Marcelino Pedroza | 55.5kg | 1:09.58 | 3-3-7 | 1 |
| 9.3L | $7.80 |

Jockey: Miguel Fernandez
Weight: 52kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently 2nd of 8 at Belterra Park on October 9 over 1207m, 0.5 len behind Heavy Hitter with 52.5kg at $7.60. The run before that came home strongly from last on the turn and won by 1.75 len at Belterra Park on September 10 over 1207m defeating Devils Red with 52.5kg at $2.20. Unlikely to finish in the winner's circle.
Last Starts 24 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 | 09/10/2026 | 29 | CLM 3U | $13,793.00 | Belterra Park | 1207m | Fast | H Luke Hoskins | 52.5kg | 1:11.04 | 6-3-2 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $7.60 |
| 1/4 | 10/09/2026 | 21 | CLM 3U | $11,111.00 | Belterra Park | 1207m | Good | H Luke Hoskins | 52.5kg | 1:10.97 | 4-4-1 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $2.20 |
| 7/8 | 20/08/2026 | 23 | CLM 3U | $19,971.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | Good | Danny Sheehy | 55.5kg | 1:04.36 | 6-8-7 | 4 |
| 6.0L | $25.70 |
| 4/7 | 28/07/2026 | 19 | CLM 3U | $24,673.00 | Presque Isle Downs | 1308m | Fast | Hector Rafael Jr Diaz | 56kg | 1:16.66 | 4-5-4 | 3 |
| 3.1L | $12.70 |
| 4/5 | 09/07/2026 | 22 | HCP 3U | $15,965.00 | Belterra Park | 1207m | Fast | Victor Lebron | 56kg | 1:10.16 | 4-4-4 | 3 |
| 4.3L | $5.80 |
| 2/6 | 17/06/2026 | 16 | CLM 3U | $22,315.00 | Presque Isle Downs | 1308m | Fast | Edwin Gonzalez | 56kg | 1:17.93 | 2-2-2 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $2.80 |

Jockey: Yomar Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 50kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 36 day let-up. Last start ran second last in a small field at this track on September 26 over 1207m, 2 len behind Defending Albert with 55kg at $5.68. The start before that ran second last of 8 at Saratoga on August 19 over 1207m, 18 len behind Mischievous M carrying 56kg at $1.74. One of the better chances.
Last Starts 37 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 | 26/09/2026 | 38 | ALLOW 3U | $105,556.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55kg | 1:09.90 | 3-2-4 | 1 |
| 2.0L | $5.68 |
| 7/8 | 19/08/2026 | 59 | HCP 4U | $92,725.00 | Saratoga | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:10.68 | 7-7-7 | 7 |
| 18.3L | $1.74 |
| 1/6 | 21/06/2026 | 28 | CLM 4U | $83,682.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:09.96 | 3-1-1 | 1 |
| 3.5L | $1.44 |
| 3/6 | 24/05/2026 | 197 | CLM 4U | $120,112.00 | Churchill Downs | 1006m | SP | Axel Concepcion | 53.5kg | 0:58.24 | 4-2-3 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $3.35 |
| 7/8 | 08/11/2025 | 48 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $204,580.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 54.5kg | 1:15.54 | 7-6-7 | 2 |
| 12.8L | $7.15 |
| 1/8 | 21/09/2025 | 28 | ALLOW 3U | $194,190.00 | Churchill Downs | 1106m | Good | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:03.73 | 5-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $1.96 |

Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First-up after three months 3rd in a small field at Penn National on October 8 over 1207m, 1.75 len behind Five Dreams carrying 55kg at $4.20. Previously second-up 4th of 7 at Penn National on March 26 over 1207m, 2.5 len behind Five Dreams carrying 54.5kg at $2.30. Needs more time.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/6 | 08/10/2026 | 98 | CLM 3U | $31,609.00 | Penn National | 1207m | Fast | Yabriel O Ramos | 55kg | 1:09.39 | 5-3-3 | 5 |
| 1.8L | $4.20 |
| 5/8 | 02/07/2026 | 20 | HCP 3U | $24,673.00 | Penn National | 1207m | Fast | D Cora | 56kg | 1:09.74 | 8-5-5 | 1 |
| 6.3L | $6.80 |
| 3/5 | 12/06/2026 | 14 | CLM 3U | $44,630.00 | Penn National | 1207m | Fast | D Cora | 54.5kg | 1:10.19 | 5-3-3 | 2 |
| 2.5L | $5.70 |
| 4/7 | 29/05/2026 | 28 | ALLOW 3U | $69,832.00 | Penn National | 1207m | Fast | D Cora | 56kg | 1:08.99 | 7-4-4 | 2 |
| 7.0L | $26.50 |
| 5/6 | 01/05/2026 | 23 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $54,469.00 | Penn National | 1207m | Fast | Wilfredo Corujo | 55kg | 1:11.92 | 6-3-5 | 2 |
| 3.3L | $21.50 |
| 2/5 | 08/04/2026 | 13 | CLM 3U | $46,579.00 | Penn National | 1207m | Fast | D Cora | 54.5kg | 1:09.91 | 5-3-2 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $3.50 |

Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 39-day let-up. At the latest run 5th of 7 at this track on September 23 over 1207m, 5 len behind Doctor Jeff with 55kg at $2.78. The race before that settled back and ran on when 5th of 7 at Ellis Park on August 15 over 1308m, 9 len behind Dr Ruben M with 55.5kg at $7.34. Should be right in the finish.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/7 | 23/09/2026 | 39 | CLM 3U | $62,500.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55kg | 1:10.58 | 4-4-5 | 2 |
| 4.8L | $2.78 |
| 5/7 | 15/08/2026 | 21 | CLM 3U | $74,180.00 | Ellis Park | 1308m | Fast | Yedsit Hazlewood | 55.5kg | 1:15.03 | 6-4-5 | 7 |
| 9.8L | $7.34 |
| 3/5 | 25/07/2026 | 37 | ALLOW 3U | $67,126.00 | Ellis Park | 1308m | Fast | Rafael Bejarano | 55.5kg | 1:15.95 | 5-3-3 | 1 |
| 4.8L | $6.66 |
| 5/7 | 18/06/2026 | 21 | ALLOW 3U | $115,760.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Luan Machado | 56kg | 1:23.02 | 2-4-5 | 2 |
| 8.1L | $14.73 |
| 5/6 | 28/05/2026 | 41 | ALLOW 3U | $115,922.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:17.63 | 3-4-5 | 6 |
| 6.5L | $2.24 |
| 2/8 | 17/04/2026 | 27 | ALLOW 3U | $87,336.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1207m | Fast | Manuel Franco | 57kg | 1:10.70 | 6-1-2 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $8.62 |

Jockey: Luis Fuenmayor
Weight: 51.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th of 7 at Keeneland on October 14 over 1207m, 5 len behind Lucky Shot with 51.5kg at $10.21. Before that 6th of 9 at Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf on September 30 over 1006m, 4 len behind American Wind with 55.5kg at $21.60. Should be right in the finish.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 14/10/2026 | 14 | CLM 3U | $73,276.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | Fast | Luis Fuenmayor | 51.5kg | 1:11.49 | 3-5-4 | 3 |
| 4.8L | $10.21 |
| 6/9 | 30/09/2026 | 19 | CLM 3U | $28,736.00 | Indiana Downs | 1006m | FM | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | 0:55.99 | 4-5-6 | 5 |
| 3.8L | $21.60 |
| 2/6 | 11/09/2026 | 22 | CLM 3U | $19,444.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Joseph D Ramos | 56kg | 1:11.15 | 1-1-2 | 1 |
| 0.5L | $2.90 |
| 1/8 | 20/08/2026 | 35 | CLM 3U | $19,971.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | Good | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | 1:04.36 | 2-1-1 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $3.70 |
| 3/7 | 16/07/2026 | 35 | CLM 3U | $29,028.00 | Indiana Downs | 1106m | Fast | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | 1:03.63 | 1-3-3 | 3 |
| 6.0L | $5.20 |
| 4/8 | 11/06/2026 | 37 | CLM 3U | $27,894.00 | Indiana Downs | 1207m | Fast | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | 1:09.09 | 5-4-4 | 5 |
| 2.8L | $4.20 |

Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Finished off last campaign when last of 11 at Oaklawn Park April 30 over 1207m, 13 len behind One Giant Leap carrying 56kg at $6. When resuming last campaign second of 9 at Keeneland October 12 2025 over 1408m, 1.0 len behind J J's Joker carrying 55kg at $3.97. Happy to risk.
Last Starts 186 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/11 | 30/04/2026 | 42 | CLM 4U | $43,296.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Francisco Arrieta | 56kg | 1:10.70 | 4-10-11 | 2 |
| 13.8L | $6.00 |
| 5/9 | 19/03/2026 | 12 | CLM 4U | $43,539.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Amir Mendoza | 51.5kg | 1:10.82 | 3-4-5 | 8 |
| 7.0L | $8.90 |
| 2/11 | 07/03/2026 | 29 | CLM 4U | $43,539.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | SP | Amir Mendoza | 51.5kg | 1:11.34 | 1-1-2 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $9.00 |
| 7/10 | 06/02/2026 | 42 | CLM 4U | $44,223.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | Fast | Emmanuel Esquivel | 53.5kg | 1:47.54 | 7-4-7 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $3.30 |
| 3/9 | 26/12/2025 | 33 | CLM 3U | $49,005.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | Fast | Emmanuel Esquivel | 54kg | 1:45.71 | 9-2-3 | 5 |
| 3.5L | $7.00 |
| 8/11 | 23/11/2025 | 15 | CLM 3U | $68,702.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Jaime A Torres | 54.5kg | 1:11.33 | 6-7-8 | 2 |
| 9.0L | $8.92 |