Saturday’s $150,000 Commonwealth Turf S. isn’t a graded stakes, but most of
the 11 sophomores entered in the 1 1/16-mile turf test have been competing
admirably at the graded level. BRILLIANT (War Chant), a 6 1/2-length winner of
the Kent Breeders’ Cup S. (G3) two starts back, has been installed as the 2-1
morning line favorite. The Neil Howard-trained colt boasts a perfect
three-for-three mark over the Churchill turf, including a half-length score in
the Jefferson Cup S. (G2) in June. Last time out, Brilliant faded to sixth in
the Hawthorne Derby (G3), but he had a valid excuse that day, according to
Howard.
“He came out of that race with a fairly significant lung infection,” Howard
said. “He cleared up and has trained real well, and we’re looking forward to
this race. I kind of always had this race in the back of our mind to end the
season on and give him a little break. It’s right here at Churchill, and he’s
run well on the Churchill turf course, so I’m glad we’re running in this race.”
Regular pilot Robby Albarado will be back aboard Brilliant, who rates as the
co-highweight with 123 pounds.
Also carrying 123 pounds is Hill Prince S. (G3) victor OUTPERFORMANCE (Aptitude),
who settled for second to Showing Up (Strategic Mission) in the Jamaica
Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) last out. Tabbed as the second choice on the morning line
at 4-1, the Richard Violette Jr. charge will make his Churchill debut beneath a
returning Javier Castellano.
Others with graded stakes credentials include Irish Group 3 winner and American
Derby (G2) runner-up AMIGONI (Ire) (Danehill), representing horseman Graham
Motion; Blue Grass S. (G1) runner-up STORM TREASURE
(Storm Boot), who exits a runner-up effort in the Bryan Station S.; Arlington
Classic S. (G3) victor KINGSHIP (King Cugat); and last-out Pegasus S. (G3) third
HESANOLDSALT (Broad Brush), making his turf debut for Nick Zito.
YANKEE MASTER (Yankee Victor) will lead the post parade beneath Corey Lanerie,
toting 117 pounds and starting at 10-1 on the morning line. Following him are
Brilliant; COSTA RISING (Royal Strand [Ire]), Calvin Borel, 121, 10-1;
Outperformance; Hesanoldsalt, John McKee, 119, 10-1; Kingship, Mark Guidry, 121,
6-1; Hawthorne Derby third ARBUCKLE BANDIT (Service Stripe), Brice Blanc, 119,
10-1; Storm Treasure, Shaun Bridgmohan, 117, 8-1; Kent Breeders’ Cup third SEA
OF TREES (Belong to Me), Jesus Castanon, 119, 15-1; Amigoni, Rafael Bejarano,
117, 12-1; and ROCK’ N FIRE (Lord Carson), Willie Martinez, 117, 50-1.