Fair Grounds Race 8 - Race 8 - Allowance Optional Claiming
HIGGINS BOAT (5) scored last start by 0.1 lengths at this track (Turf) over 1710m. Has a strong record this course, scoring at three of five starts. Sure to be there at the business end. CHASING LIBERTY (9) is back from a spell of six-and-a-half months. Turned in a fair effort in the G1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky (Turf) over 1308m at his only run last prep, finishing fifth and beaten 2.5 lengths. Should settle just off the speed despite the draw. Expected to be in the finish. NEAT (3) has not appeared since he finished tenth over 1609m in the G1 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga Inner Turf (Turf) on August 2. Has found a suitable race and is worth including. POINT PROVEN (6) was out of the money two runs back then again missed the frame last start over 1811m at this track, beaten 6 lengths into seventh. Likely improver with strong top-three prospects.

Jockey: Harry Hernandez
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Finished off last preparation second last of 11 at Churchill Downs in the LR November 30 over 1609m, 14 len behind Moonlight carrying 55kg at $110.60. Previous preparation first-up to post a big 4 len win. Gulfstream Park November 16 2024 over 1408m defeating Raging Fury with 53.5kg at $2.60. Faces a tough essay.
Last Starts 110 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/11 | 30/11/2025 | 31 | LR OPEN 3U | $381,679.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Mario Gutierrez | 55kg | 1:34.41 | 10-11-10 | 7 |
| 14.0L | $110.60 |
| 1/7 | 30/10/2025 | 15 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $203,957.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | SP | Mario Gutierrez | 55.5kg | 1:39.06 | 7-5-1 | 1 |
| 1.0L | $11.50 |
| 4/8 | 15/10/2025 | 20 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $54,795.00 | Indiana Downs | 1006m | FM | Fernando De La Cruz | 55.5kg | 0:55.70 | 7-6-4 | 5 |
| 4.5L | $16.00 |
| 4/5 | 25/09/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $55,046.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | SP | Fernando De La Cruz | 55.5kg | 1:37.41 | 4-4-4 | 3 |
| 6.8L | $6.30 |
| 5/7 | 28/08/2025 | 38 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $55,814.00 | Indiana Downs | 1710m | Fast | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | 1:43.42 | 5-5-5 | 4 |
| 13.9L | $6.40 |
| 2/8 | 21/07/2025 | 44 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $159,021.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | SP | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 55.5kg | 1:35.86 | 3-3-2 | 3 |
| 5.8L | $2.84 |

Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr.
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Finished off last preparation fifth of 10 at Churchill Downs Turf April 29 over 1811m, 4 len behind Call Protection with 56kg at $3.08. When resuming last campaign seventh of 12 at Keeneland Turf April 8 over 1710m, 7 len behind Irish Aces with 53.5kg at $2.14. Prefer others.
Last Starts 325 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 29/04/2025 | 21 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $225,240.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Flavien Prat | 56kg | 1:45.52 | 7-3-5 | 1 |
| 3.9L | $3.08 |
| 7/12 | 08/04/2025 | 221 | ALLOW 4U | $223,642.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | Good | Flavien Prat | 53.5kg | 1:43.01 | 1-8-7 | 2 |
| 7.0L | $2.14 |
| 1/6 | 30/08/2024 | 34 | G3 OPEN 3 | $268,817.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Flavien Prat | 53.5kg | 1:40.89 | 6-2-1 | 1 |
| 5.5L | $2.35 |
| 1/10 | 27/07/2024 | 37 | ALLOW OCLM 3 | $165,414.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Flavien Prat | 55.5kg | 1:41.10 | 8-6-1 | 7 |
| 0.8L | $4.15 |
| 2/8 | 20/06/2024 | 41 | ALLOW 3U | $191,843.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Florent Geroux | 54.5kg | 1:42.96 | 3-2-2 | 8 |
| 2.5L | $1.95 |
| 1/10 | 10/05/2024 | 121 | MDN 3U | $183,486.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Florent Geroux | 53.5kg | 1:50.43 | 3-1-1 | 9 |
| 4.0L | $4.66 |

Jockey: Isaac Castillo
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of eight months. Finished off last preparation when last of 10 at Saratoga Inner Turf in the G1 Fourstardave Handicap August 2 over 1609m, 36 len behind Deterministic with 55.5kg at $14.90. Previously first up; second last of 7 at Santa Anita Turf in the G1 Frank E Kilroe Mile Handicap March 1 2025 over 1609m, 3.5 len behind Formidable Man with 55.5kg at $7.70. Has claims on best form.
Last Starts 230 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 | 02/08/2025 | 28 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,162,791.00 | Saratoga | 1609m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 55.5kg | 1:33.87 | 10-10-10 | 10 |
| 36.8L | $14.90 |
| 4/7 | 05/07/2025 | 49 | G3 OPEN 4U | $267,584.00 | Saratoga | 1609m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 56kg | 1:32.81 | 7-6-4 | 1 |
| 2.4L | $15.50 |
| 10/10 | 17/05/2025 | 28 | G3 OPEN 3U | $390,625.00 | Pimlico | 1811m | Good | Joel Rosario | 54.5kg | 1:54.20 | 2-10-10 | 3 |
| 100.0L | $6.40 |
| 4/10 | 19/04/2025 | 49 | LR OPEN 3U | $159,744.00 | Laurel Park | 1609m | FM | Jeiron Barbosa | 57kg | 1:35.51 | 5-6-4 | 4 |
| 2.0L | $3.00 |
| 6/7 | 01/03/2025 | 126 | G1 OPEN 4U | $481,541.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 55.5kg | 1:34.57 | 7-3-6 | 4 |
| 3.3L | $7.70 |
| 7/11 | 26/10/2024 | 48 | G3 OPEN 3 | $867,052.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 55.5kg | 1:34.40 | 3-4-7 | 1 |
| 4.5L | $7.09 |

Jockey: Sofia Vives
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after two months 4th of 7 at this track on February 21 over 1710m, 3 len behind Higgins Boat with 54.5kg at $12.40. Previously second-up 4th of 9 at Lone Star Park Turf in LR on June 28 over 1811m, 2 len behind Stay Hot carrying 54.5kg at $5.40. Must improve significantly.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 21/02/2026 | 63 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $82,739.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Isaac Castillo | 54.5kg | 1:41.69 | 3-5-4 | 3 |
| 3.1L | $12.40 |
| 6/7 | 20/12/2025 | 43 | LR OPEN 3U | $153,139.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Jareth Loveberry | 56kg | 1:41.50 | 7-6-6 | 4 |
| 8.3L | $7.20 |
| 5/6 | 07/11/2025 | 40 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $225,954.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FM | I Ortiz Jr | 56kg | 1:33.45 | 6-6-5 | 5 |
| 5.4L | $4.18 |
| 1/11 | 28/09/2025 | 28 | LR OPEN 3U | $229,358.00 | Hawthorne | 1609m | FM | Emmanuel Esquivel | 56.5kg | 1:34.03 | 7-3-1 | 10 |
| 0.8L | $2.50 |
| 7/12 | 31/08/2025 | 16 | ALLOW 3U | $775,194.00 | Kentucky | 1609m | FM | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54kg | 1:32.20 | 11-5-7 | 12 |
| 7.8L | $7.86 |
| 1/6 | 15/08/2025 | 48 | LR OPEN 3U | $232,558.00 | Penn National | 1710m | FM | Jomar Torres | 54.5kg | 1:40.46 | 5-1-1 | 2 |
| 3.3L | $1.30 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up favourite; scored a big 5 len win at this track December 27 over 1609m defeating Foligno with 54.5kg at $2.90. Second-up favourite; won by a 0.1 len at this track February 21 over 1710m defeating Maycocks Bay with 55.5kg at $1.90. Has the ability to take this out.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 21/02/2026 | 56 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $82,739.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 55.5kg | 1:41.69 | 2-1-1 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $1.90 |
| 1/8 | 27/12/2025 | 175 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $85,758.00 | Fairgrounds | 1609m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 54.5kg | 1:34.58 | 3-1-1 | 3 |
| 5.3L | $2.90 |
| 5/5 | 05/07/2025 | 67 | LR OPEN 4U | $155,428.00 | Indiana Downs | 1710m | FM | D Cannon | 54.5kg | 1:39.38 | 4-5-5 | 3 |
| 6.5L | $3.30 |
| 8/10 | 29/04/2025 | 38 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $225,240.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | D Cannon | 56kg | 1:45.52 | 6-2-8 | 6 |
| 5.1L | $4.14 |
| 5/12 | 22/03/2025 | 35 | G2 OPEN 4U | $475,436.00 | Fairgrounds | 1811m | FM | Edgar Morales | 53.5kg | 1:50.45 | 1-3-5 | 12 |
| 2.0L | $20.60 |
| 2/9 | 15/02/2025 | 49 | G3 OPEN 4U | $281,804.00 | Fairgrounds | 1811m | FM | D Cannon | 53.5kg | 1:50.44 | 6-1-2 | 9 |
| 1.0L | $11.60 |

Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 34-day let-up. Most recently 7th of 10 at this track in the G3 Fair Grounds Stakes on February 14 over 1811m, 6 len behind Lagynos with 53.5kg at $158.90. The race before that 9th of 11 at this track in LR on January 17 over 1710m, 7 len behind Kupuna with 56kg at $80.50. Genuine chance this time around.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 14/02/2026 | 28 | G3 OPEN 4U | $249,643.00 | Fairgrounds | 1811m | FM | Jareth Loveberry | 53.5kg | 1:48.02 | 5-5-7 | 3 |
| 6.0L | $158.90 |
| 9/11 | 17/01/2026 | 28 | LR OPEN 4U | $149,477.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Colby J Hernandez | 56kg | 1:42.37 | 8-6-9 | 8 |
| 7.8L | $80.50 |
| 4/7 | 20/12/2025 | 168 | LR OPEN 3U | $153,139.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | T G Thornton | 56kg | 1:41.50 | 3-3-4 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $16.60 |
| 1/12 | 05/07/2025 | 30 | LR OPEN 3U | $91,743.00 | Evangeline Downs | 1710m | FM | T G Thornton | 54.5kg | 1:42.92 | 12-3-1 | 9 |
| 1.3L | $2.40 |
| 1/8 | 05/06/2025 | 34 | ALLOW 3U | $51,322.00 | Evangeline Downs | 1609m | FM | T G Thornton | 54.5kg | 1:36.16 | 6-2-1 | 1 |
| 3.5L | $5.10 |
| 5/5 | 02/05/2025 | 330 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $51,562.00 | Evangeline Downs | 1609m | Fast | T G Thornton | 54.5kg | 1:37.49 | 5-5-5 | 1 |
| 15.0L | $3.70 |

Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after two months 3rd of 7 at this track on February 21 over 1710m, 1.75 len behind Higgins Boat with 54.5kg at $16.60. Previously second-up second last of 7 at Keeneland on October 22 over 1207m, 6 len behind Beeline with 55kg at $3.56. Needs more time.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 21/02/2026 | 63 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $82,739.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:41.69 | 5-3-3 | 6 |
| 1.8L | $16.60 |
| 7/7 | 20/12/2025 | 23 | LR OPEN 3U | $153,139.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 53.5kg | 1:41.50 | 5-7-7 | 5 |
| 8.8L | $4.20 |
| 1/11 | 27/11/2025 | 36 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $85,496.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Jim Graham | 54.5kg | 1:40.49 | 1-2-1 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $20.70 |
| 6/7 | 22/10/2025 | 32 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $197,869.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 55kg | 1:10.54 | 3-6-6 | 2 |
| 6.3L | $3.56 |
| 3/5 | 20/09/2025 | 210 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $204,893.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Cristian Mauricio Torres | 55kg | 1:09.35 | 4-3-3 | 5 |
| 4.3L | $4.32 |
| 3/5 | 22/02/2025 | 385 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $86,957.00 | Fairgrounds | 1207m | Fast | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54.5kg | 1:08.97 | 2-4-3 | 2 |
| 8.0L | $4.50 |

Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Weight: 54.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumes after a break of five-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation when last of 10 at Keeneland Turf in the G2 Sycamore Stakes October 10 over 2414m, 50 len behind Desvio with 55.5kg at $9.36. Previously first up; fifth of 9 at Churchill Downs Turf in the LR June 14 over 2213m, 3.5 len behind Rebel Red carrying 53.5kg at $39.05. Excellent chance.
Last Starts 161 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 | 10/10/2025 | 41 | G2 OPEN 3U | $608,828.00 | Keeneland | 2414m | Good | I Ortiz Jr | 55.5kg | 2:29.16 | 4-10-10 | 8 |
| 50.6L | $9.36 |
| 4/6 | 30/08/2025 | 29 | LR OPEN 3U | $1,550,388.00 | Kentucky | 3319m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 54.5kg | 3:29.58 | 1-2-4 | 1 |
| 11.8L | $5.77 |
| 1/5 | 01/08/2025 | 20 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $193,798.00 | Saratoga | 1911m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 56.5kg | 1:54.36 | 5-3-1 | 3 |
| 2.0L | $5.50 |
| 1/8 | 12/07/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $122,324.00 | Colonial Downs | 1811m | Good | Emmanuel Esquivel | 55.5kg | 1:49.23 | 4-3-1 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $5.90 |
| 5/9 | 14/06/2025 | 170 | LR OPEN 4U | $311,042.00 | Churchill Downs | 2213m | FM | J R Leparoux | 53.5kg | 2:15.01 | 4-3-5 | 4 |
| 3.4L | $39.05 |
| 7/8 | 26/12/2024 | 27 | G2 OPEN 3U | $308,166.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1710m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 55kg | 1:43.80 | 8-7-7 | 8 |
| 9.6L | $15.20 |