Churchill Downs Race 9 - Race 9 - Maiden Special Weight
VIVALDI (10) sets the standard with four seconds at this level, including runner-up efforts at Churchill Downs over 1811m and a solid 2nd at Kentucky Downs over 1609m. LAHAINALUNA (6) is the main danger after a close 3rd at Keeneland over 1811m, beaten 1.3L, following a Turfway 1710m 3rd. ABOUT FACE (5) was 4th at Oaklawn over 1609m, beaten 2.6L, and can progress. ZIHNAL (8) resumes here after a debut 4th at Santa Anita over 1609m, 3.3L off the winner, and is in the mix.
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Three-year-old colt by Siyouni from Polished. Draws barrier 1 with 53.5kg under Jaime A. Torres for trainer Joe Sharp. French-bred profile suggests turf aptitude. Can feature with the right run from the inside draw.
Jockey: Alexander Crispin
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up off 24 days after a tough run from barrier 12 at Churchill Downs over 1609m on 1 May, dropping out to 11th, beaten 11.6L with 56.5kg. Best figure last year was a close 2nd at Ellis Park over 1609m on 13 Jul, beaten 0.5L at $4.40 after racing handy. Draws barrier 2 now for Alexander Crispin for new trainer Anna Navarrete. Can improve with the soft draw.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/12 | 01/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FM | Edgar Morales | 56.5kg | - | 4-5-3-8 | 12 |
| 11.6L | $0.00 |
| 4/12 | 28/08/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Kentucky Downs | 1609m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 54.5kg | - | 9-6-6-6 | 7 |
| 8.3L | $5.50 |
| 2/7 | 13/07/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 92 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FM | Edgar Morales | 53.5kg | - | 3-3-3-2 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $4.40 |
| 5/12 | 15/06/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FAST | Jose Lezcano | 53.5kg | - | 12-10-6-6 | 9 |
| 6L | $8.50 |
| 5/7 | 30/03/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 87 | $0.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | FM | Joel Rosario | 53.5kg | - | 4-5-4-4 | 6 |
| 4.8L | $5.00 |
| 6/10 | 22/02/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1509m | FM | Edwin Gonzalez | 53.5kg | - | 4-6-5 | 2 |
| 2.8L | $8.00 |
Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after 281 days. Last start 4th of 11 at Ellis Park over 1609m on 17 Aug, beaten 2L, with 54kg at $5, after settling midfield; winner was Swamp King. Blinkers go on and drops 0.5kg with Ricardo Santana Jr. riding for Norm W. Casse. Can improve.
Last Starts 281 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 | 17/08/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 80 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FM | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54kg | - | 3-6-6-6 | 8 |
| 2L | $5.00 |
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up 32 days since a debut 4th at Oaklawn Park over 1609m on 23 Apr, beaten 2.6L on a FT track after settling midfield with 55kg. Drops 1.5kg to 53.5kg and draws barrier 5 under Francisco Arrieta for Brad H. Cox. Steps up 100m and gains a better gate than last start. Can improve.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/9 | 23/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 81 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1609m | FT | Francisco Arrieta | 55kg | - | 6-6-6-5 | 2 |
| 2.6L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Has been around the mark with back-to-back 3rds. Last start 3rd of 12 at Keeneland over 1811m on 22 Apr, beaten 1.3L in a MSW 92 after settling midfield. Prior run 3rd of 8 at Turfway Park over 1710m on 18 Mar, beaten 3.3L at $7 in a MSW 91 when handy throughout. Down 102m and drops 0.5kg with Ben Curtis up; can feature with the right run.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 22/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 92 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1811m | FM | Irad Ortiz Jr | 57kg | - | 7-7-5-3 | 7 |
| 1.3L | $0.00 |
| 3/8 | 18/03/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1710m | FT | Rafael Manuel Hernandez | 57kg | - | 4-4-2-2 | 3 |
| 3.3L | $7.00 |
| 4/5 | 11/01/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1609m | FT | Jose L Ortiz | 56kg | - | 4-4-4-4 | 5 |
| 15.8L | $7.00 |
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third start for Dallas Stewart after two Oaklawn runs. Last start 9th of 9 at Oaklawn Park over 1609m on 23 Apr, beaten 11.4L with 55kg after settling back. Prior run 7th of 9 over 1811m on 28 Mar, beaten 19.3L at $13. Drops 1.5kg and draws wider; needs improvement but can progress with experience.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/9 | 23/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 81 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1609m | FT | Ramon A Vazquez | 55kg | - | 7-8-9-9 | 1 |
| 11.4L | $0.00 |
| 7/9 | 28/03/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1811m | FT | Luis Saez | 55.5kg | - | 8-5-7-7 | 7 |
| 19.3L | $13.00 |
Jockey: Vincent Cheminaud
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up after a 53-day break. Last start 4th of 6 after settling midfield at Santa Anita over 1609m on 2 Apr, beaten 3.3L, with 54kg on a fast track. Drops 0.5kg and shifts from gate 4 to 8. Can improve with added fitness.
Last Starts 53 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 | 02/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 92 | $0.00 | Santa Anita | 1609m | FT | Kazushi Kimura | 54kg | - | 5-4-4-4 | 4 |
| 3.3L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Luan Machado
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Back in trip after a tough last start 11th of 11 at Keeneland over 1710m on 11 Apr, beaten 18.9L on firm going. Prior run was much better when 4th of 10 at Gulfstream Park over 1609m on 27 Feb, beaten 2.6L at $4.60 after improving into 2nd late. Drops 1kg and draws two spots better; blinkers go on. Can improve with a cleaner run.
Last Starts 44 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 | 11/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 95 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 54.5kg | - | 6-4-4-10 | 11 |
| 18.9L | $0.00 |
| 4/10 | 27/02/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | FM | Irad Ortiz Jr | 55.5kg | - | 7-7-6-2 | 1 |
| 2.6L | $4.60 |
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after 257 days. Last start 2nd of 10 at Kentucky Downs over 1609m on 10 Sep, beaten 3.8L by Swirling Eights, with 56kg at $7 after settling midfield. Prior Churchill Downs runs were both 2nds over 1811m, beaten 1L then 4.3L, at $4.5 and $2.20. Consistent placegetter who can feature with the right run.
Last Starts 257 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 | 10/09/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Kentucky Downs | 1609m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 56kg | - | 7-7-4-4 | 1 |
| 3.8L | $7.00 |
| 7/10 | 11/08/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1710m | FAST | Florent Geroux | 56kg | - | 8-8-9-8 | 11 |
| 7.55L | $4.00 |
| 2/8 | 08/06/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Flavien Prat | 56.5kg | - | 5-5-5-4 | 8 |
| 4.3L | $2.20 |
| 2/10 | 02/05/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Flavien Prat | 56.5kg | - | 5-5-5-4 | 9 |
| 1L | $4.50 |
| 2/8 | 07/03/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1811m | FAST | Antonio A Gallardo | 56.5kg | - | 3-2-2-1 | 2 |
| 1.25L | $2.90 |
| 5/12 | 28/10/2023 | - | MDN Special Weight 83 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | GD | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | - | 11-12-12-8 | 10 |
| 1.8L | $7.50 |
| 5/10 | 09/09/2023 | - | MDN Special Weight 80 | $0.00 | Kentucky Downs | 1609m | FM | Irad Ortiz Jr | 54kg | - | 8-10-10-8 | 9 |
| 7.1L | $5.00 |
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Back in trip and down 2.5kg after a tough last start 10th of 12 at Turfway Park over 1811m on 21 Mar, beaten 19.8L in Stakes 107 at $26. Two runs prior placed 3rd in a Stakes 98 over 1710m at Turfway on 21 Feb, beaten 1.5L after improving from back in the run at $41. Also 3rd in a Turfway MSW over 1609m on 14 Feb, beaten 2.3L at $6. Blinkers go on; can feature with the right run from barrier 11 under Rafael Bejarano for Anthony Mitchell.
Last Starts 65 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/12 | 21/03/2026 | - | Stakes 107 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1811m | FT | Joseph D Ramos | 56kg | - | 12-12-11-11 | 7 |
| 19.8L | $26.00 |
| 3/11 | 21/02/2026 | - | Stakes 98 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1710m | FT | Joseph D Ramos | 55.5kg | - | 9-9-8-4 | 3 |
| 1.5L | $41.00 |
| 3/12 | 14/02/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FT | Walter A Rodriguez | 54.5kg | - | 8-8-8-5 | 8 |
| 2.3L | $6.00 |
| 9/12 | 10/01/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 85 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1207m | FT | Cruz Fernando De La | 54.5kg | - | 8-9-10 | 2 |
| 10L | $7.50 |
| 5/11 | 18/10/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FT | Axel Concepcion | 54kg | - | 3-3-3-5 | 3 |
| 8.6L | $3.00 |
| 5/10 | 13/09/2025 | - | Stakes 95 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FT | Luis Saez | 55.5kg | - | 8-8-8-7 | 10 |
| 10.4L | $21.00 |
| 4/10 | 24/08/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 81 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FT | Jaime A Torres | 54kg | - | 6-5-4-5 | 5 |
| 5.8L | $7.00 |
| 2/6 | 01/05/2025 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1006m | FAST | Walter A Rodriguez | 53.5kg | - | 6-5-4 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $13.00 |
| 2/9 | 18/04/2025 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 905m | FAST | Walter A Rodriguez | 54kg | - | 8-6 | 11 |
| 4L | $18.00 |
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Back in trip after a 24-day turnaround. Last start 8th of 12 at Churchill Downs over 1609m on 1 May, beaten 6.9L with 56.5kg (FM), after settling midfield to rear. Earlier form here includes a 2nd over 1710m on 26 May 2025 at $8.50 and a Keeneland 1609m 3rd in Oct 2024. Can feature with a cleaner run from the wide gate.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/12 | 01/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FM | John R Velazquez | 56.5kg | - | 7-6-9-9 | 8 |
| 6.9L | $0.00 |
| 2/12 | 26/05/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 84 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Corey J Lanerie | 53.5kg | - | 3-4-4-1 | 3 |
| 1L | $8.50 |
| 9/12 | 01/12/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FT | Corey J Lanerie | 54kg | - | 9-6-11-9 | 1 |
| 19.4L | $16.00 |
| 3/12 | 04/10/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 92 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | FM | Corey J Lanerie | 54kg | - | 8-7-7-6 | 4 |
| 2.8L | $41.00 |
| 6/10 | 07/09/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 87 | $0.00 | Kentucky Downs | 1609m | FM | Corey J Lanerie | 54kg | - | 4-3-4-3 | 9 |
| 2.8L | $15.00 |
| 10/11 | 24/08/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 76 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1207m | FT | Martin Chuan | 54kg | - | 10-10-9 | 7 |
| 18.5L | $15.00 |