Churchill Downs Race 8 - Race 8 - Starter Allowance
SHARONS BEACH (3) looks a key chance after finishing 2nd at Keeneland over 1408m in a Starter Allowance, beaten just 1L, and has been consistent with four placings from five starts. MO WORK (4) comes off a last-start win at Keeneland over this trip in a Claiming 99, scoring by 1.5L, and has a solid record at Churchill Downs. SWEET FREEDOM (9) also warrants respect, having won last start at Turfway Park over 1308m in a Claiming 96. GORDON'S LEGACY (5) has shown promise with a win and a close 2nd from just two starts. FREE ADVICE (2) broke through last time at Keeneland in a Maiden Claiming 82 and could progress. NORWICH (1) has placed twice from recent runs at Churchill Downs and is proven at the track. These runners shape as the main contenders.

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th of 7 at Oaklawn Park over 1207m on 19 Mar, beaten 5.8L by Master Mule at $15. Won at Churchill Downs four runs back over 1710m, defeating Redemption Time. Steps up to 1408m from barrier 1 with blinkers on. Can feature with the right run.
Last Starts 42 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 | 19/03/2026 | - | Starter Allowance 98 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | FT | Francisco Arrieta | 53.5kg | - | 4-3-4 | 5 |
| 5.8L | $15.00 |
| 4/6 | 16/08/2025 | - | Starter Allowance 100 | $0.00 | Saratoga | 1609m | FT | Jr Ricardo Santana | 56.5kg | - | 1-1-1-2 | 3 |
| 5.6L | $5.00 |
| 3/6 | 26/06/2025 | - | 4U | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | GOOD | Edgar Morales | 53.5kg | - | 3-3-3-3 | 3 |
| 1L | $4.80 |
| 1/8 | 17/05/2025 | - | Claiming 94 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FT | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 56kg | - | 4-3-3-1 | 5 |
| 0.1L | $5.00 |
| 5/9 | 30/04/2025 | - | Starter Allowance 96 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | FT | Declan Cannon | 56kg | - | 6-5-6 | 6 |
| 10.3L | $5.00 |
| 1/8 | 23/02/2025 | - | Claiming 88 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1609m | SY | Declan Cannon | 55.5kg | - | 1-1-1-1 | 2 |
| 2.3L | $5.50 |
| 4/7 | 01/02/2025 | - | Allowance 97 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1106m | FM | Colby J Hernandez | 54.5kg | - | 6-6-6 | 4 |
| 8.5L | $26.00 |
| 7/9 | 03/01/2025 | - | Allowance 101 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1006m | FM | Colby J Hernandez | 54.5kg | - | 8-8-7 | 2 |
| 5L | $26.00 |
| 8/12 | 24/10/2024 | - | Allowance 96 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1710m | FM | Jr Marcelino Pedroza | 53.5kg | - | 2-2-2-2 | 10 |
| 2.6L | $11.00 |
| 3/12 | 31/08/2024 | - | Allowance 101 | $0.00 | Kentucky Downs | 1207m | FM | John R Velazquez | 53.5kg | - | 9-8-5 | 6 |
| 3L | $21.00 |
| 5/10 | 11/07/2024 | - | Allowance 94 | $0.00 | Colonial Downs | 1106m | FM | Ben Curtis | 53.5kg | - | 9-9-9 | 7 |
| 5.1L | $15.00 |
| 5/8 | 11/06/2024 | - | Allowance 91 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1006m | FM | Cristian A Torres | 53.5kg | - | 8-8-7 | 5 |
| 5.5L | $4.33 |
| 1/12 | 04/05/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 90 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1006m | FM | Declan Cannon | 55.5kg | - | 10-10-7 | 6 |
| 0.8L | $0.00 |
| 6/12 | 18/11/2023 | - | MDN Special Weight 84 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1106m | FM | David Cohen | 54.5kg | - | 4-4-5 | 10 |
| 1.8L | $6.50 |
| 5/12 | 29/09/2023 | - | MDN Special Weight 85 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1006m | FM | Cristian A Torres | 54kg | - | 4-6-5 | 5 |
| 6.3L | $4.20 |

Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a maiden win at Keeneland over 1308m on 10 Apr, defeating Barker by 0.8L. Placed second at Turfway Park two runs back over 1609m, beaten just 0.1L by Bourbon Flight at $13. Steps up to 1408m here and has been consistent this season. Can feature with the right run.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 10/04/2026 | - | MDN Claiming 82 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1308m | FT | Dylan Machado | 56.5kg | - | 9-7-3 | 2 |
| 0.8L | $0.00 |
| 2/10 | 12/03/2026 | - | MDN Claiming 83 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FT | Dylan Machado | 57kg | - | 1-1-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $13.00 |
| 2/9 | 20/02/2026 | - | MDN Claiming 75 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1207m | FT | Martin Garcia | 56.5kg | - | 4-3-3 | 8 |
| 6.5L | $2.88 |
| 6/12 | 17/01/2026 | - | MDN Claiming 81 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1308m | FT | Pietro Moran | 55.5kg | - | 3-2-2 | 10 |
| 3.5L | $9.50 |
| 7/11 | 30/11/2025 | - | MDN Claiming 75 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | FT | Luan Machado | 55.5kg | - | 1-1-3 | 2 |
| 14.8L | $9.50 |
| 4/8 | 02/11/2025 | - | MDN Claiming 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FT | Luan Machado | 54.5kg | - | 3-3-3-6 | 8 |
| 12L | $8.00 |
| 11/12 | 14/09/2025 | - | MDN Claiming 79 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | SY | Luan Machado | 55kg | - | 5-4-9 | 12 |
| 18.9L | $13.00 |
| 6/12 | 18/01/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FT | Walter A Rodriguez | 54.5kg | - | 6-5-9-8 | 12 |
| 3.6L | $4.40 |
| 5/12 | 04/01/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FT | Abel Cedillo | 54.5kg | - | 12-12-9-8 | 8 |
| 2.5L | $41.00 |
| 7/12 | 01/12/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FT | Gabriel Saez | 54kg | - | 11-9-9-7 | 8 |
| 14.6L | $91.00 |
| 5/9 | 14/11/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 83 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | SY | Luan Machado | 54kg | - | 7-7-5 | 2 |
| 11L | $10.00 |

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 2nd of 10 at Keeneland over 1408m on 8 Apr, beaten 1L by General Graham in a Starter Allowance, carrying 54.5kg. Won two starts back at Santa Anita over 1207m as a short-priced favourite. Has placed in both runs at this distance. Consistent 3yo gelding who can feature with the right run.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 08/04/2026 | - | Starter Allowance 90 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | FT | Irad Ortiz Jr | 54.5kg | - | 6-2-1 | 6 |
| 1L | $0.00 |
| 1/7 | 20/02/2026 | - | MDN Optional Claiming 89 | $0.00 | Santa Anita | 1207m | FT | Antonio Fresu | 55.5kg | - | 2-2-1 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $1.24 |
| 2/6 | 23/01/2026 | - | MDN Optional Claiming 89 | $0.00 | Santa Anita | 1308m | FT | Umberto Rispoli | 55.5kg | - | 2-2-2 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $2.75 |
| 3/9 | 09/08/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 71 | $0.00 | Colonial Downs | 1408m | FT | Ben Curtis | 54kg | - | 1-1-2 | 8 |
| 9.3L | $3.10 |
| 7/8 | 25/07/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 70 | $0.00 | Colonial Downs | 1609m | FM | Ben Curtis | 54kg | - | 5-5-5-6 | 5 |
| 22.8L | $2.88 |

Jockey: Luis Saez
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start won at Keeneland over 1408m by 1.5L after settling handy, defeating Attersee. Has two wins from his last five starts, including a previous victory at Churchill Downs. Proven at this distance and track. In with a chance if he holds that form.
Last Starts 14 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 | 16/04/2026 | - | Claiming 99 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | FT | Luis Saez | 56kg | - | 3-3-1 | 4 |
| 1.5L | $0.00 |
| 7/9 | 19/02/2026 | - | Allowance Optional Claiming 93 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1308m | FT | Dylan Machado | 56kg | - | 2-2-2 | 9 |
| 11.5L | $5.00 |
| 6/10 | 27/11/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FAST | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | - | 3-7-7 | 5 |
| 11.85L | $17.00 |
| 1/8 | 26/06/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1106m | GOOD | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | - | 2-2-1 | 10 |
| 1.5L | $2.45 |
| 2/10 | 12/06/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | - | 2-3-2 | 6 |
| 3.8L | $4.00 |
| 8/10 | 08/04/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 99 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | FT | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | - | 5-5-4 | 9 |
| 13.3L | $26.00 |

Jockey: Edgar Morales
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a narrow 2nd of 4 at Santa Anita over 1308m on 27 Mar, beaten 0.1L by I'm Otter Here at $3.30. Won his previous start at the same track and trip by 3.3L. Steps up 100m in distance and brings consistent form. Can feature with a similar effort.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/4 | 27/03/2026 | - | Starter Optional Claiming 98 | $0.00 | Santa Anita | 1308m | FM | Armando Ayuso | 56kg | - | 3-3-1 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $3.30 |
| 1/10 | 22/02/2026 | - | MDN Claiming 85 | $0.00 | Santa Anita | 1308m | FM | Armando Ayuso | 56kg | - | 4-3-2 | 1 |
| 3.3L | $13.00 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after a 100-day break, last seen finishing 7th of 9 at Fair Grounds over 1207m, beaten 9L at $10. Won his only previous start at this distance, scoring by 3.5L at Churchill Downs three runs back. Blinkers go on and Jose L. Ortiz returns to ride. Can feature if ready to go fresh.
Last Starts 101 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 | 19/01/2026 | - | Allowance 92 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1207m | FT | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54.5kg | - | 4-4-4 | 3 |
| 9L | $10.00 |
| 4/7 | 27/11/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FAST | Jose L Ortiz | 54.5kg | - | 5-4-4 | 7 |
| 7L | $5.50 |
| 1/8 | 07/11/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 88 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | FT | Jose L Ortiz | 55.5kg | - | 4-5-2 | 4 |
| 3.5L | $2.38 |
| 4/12 | 22/10/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | FAST | Edgar Morales | 55kg | - | 5-5-4 | 11 |
| 10.25L | $7.00 |
| 4/12 | 13/09/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | Edgar Morales | 55kg | - | 1-1-2 | 10 |
| 2.1L | $9.00 |
| 2/8 | 09/08/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1106m | FAST | Edgar Morales | 54kg | - | 2-2-2 | 4 |
| 7.75L | $2.75 |
| 3/11 | 06/07/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1308m | FAST | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54kg | - | 5-5-4 | 8 |
| 6L | $6.50 |
| 8/9 | 27/06/2025 | - | MDN Claiming 74 | $0.00 | Fair Meadows Tulsa | 274m | SY | Jorge Torres | 56kg | - | 8() | 8 |
| 3.6L | $0.00 |
| 3/10 | 12/06/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | Ben Curtis | 53.5kg | - | 7-7-6 | 2 |
| 4.3L | $15.00 |
| 9/10 | 29/05/2025 | - | MDN Claiming 64 | $0.00 | Remington Park | 229m | SY | Jorge Torres | 56kg | - | 9() | 2 |
| 4L | $7.50 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after 123 days. Last start finished 7th of 8 at Fair Grounds over 1207m on 27 Dec, beaten 20.1L at $5.50. Won two starts back at Churchill Downs over 1207m by 2L at $4.50. Has shown ability fresh and can improve off the break.
Last Starts 124 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 27/12/2025 | - | Allowance 90 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1207m | FT | James Graham | 54.5kg | - | 6-8-8 | 1 |
| 20.1L | $5.50 |
| 1/6 | 02/11/2025 | - | Claiming 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | Tyler Gaffalione | 53.5kg | - | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 2L | $4.50 |
| 8/9 | 06/04/2025 | - | Starter Allowance 91 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | SY | James Graham | 54.5kg | - | 6-6-8 | 5 |
| 26.3L | $14.00 |
| 5/7 | 20/01/2025 | - | Allowance Optional Claiming 87 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1710m | FT | James Graham | 54kg | - | 4-3-4-5 | 7 |
| 12.8L | $14.00 |
| 1/6 | 19/12/2024 | - | MDN Optional Claiming 78 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1710m | FT | James Graham | 54.5kg | - | 2-2-2-1 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $1.30 |
| 3/7 | 20/11/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 88 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FT | Luan Machado | 54kg | - | 1-1-1-1 | 3 |
| 2.8L | $3.75 |
| 5/11 | 01/11/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 85 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | James Graham | 54kg | - | 7-8-5 | 11 |
| 5.8L | $13.00 |

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Returned from a long break to win at Oaklawn Park over 1207m on 22 Mar by 0.5L at $5.50, settling handy throughout. Prior run was 7th of 10 at Gulfstream Park over this trip, beaten 11.3L in stronger grade. Steps up to 1408m again and remains lightly raced. Can feature with further improvement.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 22/03/2026 | - | MDN Claiming 75 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | FT | Ramon A Vazquez | 56kg | - | 3-3-2 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $5.50 |
| 7/10 | 29/03/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 87 | $94,000.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1408m | FT | Manuel Franco | 53.5kg | - | 8-8-9 | 3 |
| 11.3L | $13.00 |

Jockey: Alex Achard
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start won at Turfway Park over 1308m on 28 Mar by 0.3L with 56kg at $3.70, defeating Universal Sound. Runner-up at the same track and trip prior, beaten 1.3L by Utopian at $6.50. Steps up 100m in distance and brings consistent recent form. In with a chance.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 28/03/2026 | - | Claiming 96 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1308m | FT | Alex Achard | 56kg | - | 7-10-6 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $3.70 |
| 2/9 | 28/02/2026 | - | Claiming 92 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1308m | FT | Alex Achard | 56.5kg | - | 3-3-1 | 9 |
| 1.3L | $6.50 |
| 1/6 | 29/05/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1674m | FT | Emmanuel Esquivel | 56kg | - | 6-5-5-1 | 6 |
| 6.5L | $2.00 |
| 6/12 | 25/04/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 97 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | YL | John R Velazquez | 57kg | - | 10-10-11-8 | 2 |
| 8.6L | $8.50 |
| 2/8 | 05/03/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 98 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FT | Irving Moncada | 53kg | - | 5-5-4-1 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $3.70 |
| 2/11 | 21/12/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1710m | FT | Adam Beschizza | 55kg | - | 2-4-3-3 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $3.60 |
| 4/12 | 24/10/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | - | 3-3-3-4 | 2 |
| 2.3L | $41.00 |
| 5/6 | 29/09/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 2012m | GD | Cristian A Torres | 54.5kg | - | 4-5-6-6-6 | 4 |
| 16.5L | $9.00 |
| 7/10 | 25/08/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 88 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1811m | FM | Jareth Loveberry | 53.5kg | - | 3-5-4-7 | 1 |
| 6.8L | $4.00 |
| 3/8 | 05/07/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 87 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | GD | Francisco Arrieta | 53.5kg | - | 5-6-4-3 | 2 |
| 0.6L | $13.00 |
| 5/8 | 26/05/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 88 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | SY | Cristian A Torres | 53.5kg | - | 6-6-6-5 | 4 |
| 10L | $8.00 |
| 5/12 | 15/12/2023 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1710m | FT | Alex Achard | 54kg | - | 11-11-8-5 | 4 |
| 3L | $15.00 |

Jockey: Christopher Elliott
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th of 7 at Horseshoe Indianapolis over 1207m on 8 Apr, beaten 5.3L with 54.5kg. Ran 3rd at Oaklawn Park three starts ago over 1710m at $41, finishing behind Western Warrior. Blinkers go on and drops 1kg for this. Can feature with the right run.
Last Starts 22 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 | 08/04/2026 | - | Allowance 87 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1207m | FT | Santo Sanjur | 54.5kg | - | 5-5-5 | 2 |
| 5.3L | $0.00 |
| 6/7 | 26/03/2026 | - | 03 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1609m | FAST | Amir Mendoza | 48.700000047683716kg | - | 3-4-4-5 | 7 |
| 19L | $16.00 |
| 3/9 | 26/02/2026 | - | 03 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | FAST | Amir Mendoza | 48.200000047683716kg | - | 1-2-2-2 | 2 |
| 3.5L | $41.00 |
| 11/11 | 27/12/2025 | - | Starter Optional Claiming 79 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1609m | FT | Israel Hernandez | 52.5kg | - | 9-11-11-11 | 9 |
| 18.3L | $15.00 |
| 3/6 | 13/11/2025 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FIRM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | - | 4-3-2 | 4 |
| 4L | $12.00 |
| 5/10 | 24/10/2025 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1308m | FAST | Gabriel Saez | 53.5kg | - | 10-10-7 | 4 |
| 9.75L | $18.00 |
| 1/12 | 21/09/2025 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | HEAVY | Irad Ortiz Jr | 54kg | - | 8-7-2 | 7 |
| 7L | $6.50 |