Churchill Downs Race 2 - Race 2 - Mdn Special Weight
DIRECT STRIKE (5) Made considerable ground when 2nd beaten by 2 1/4L last run at this track. Going well this campaign. Irad Ortiz Jr is a smart booking. Genuine threat. OUR FOREFATHERS (10) Despite peaking on the run still grabbed 2nd beaten by 3 1/2L last time around here and demonstrating upward trajectory in recent races. Winning hope. YOUR WILDEST DREAM (6) Struggled with the pace when 7th last start at this venue. Capable of bouncing back. Jockey Luis Saez and trainer Norm W Casse have enjoyed a lot of success together. Each way appeal. SASSMASTER (8) First up from a break of 46 weeks. Came in 4th last run at Saratoga but fitter for debut run. First start for a new trainer. In the mix. Something for the Multiples: MONEY MAN (9)

Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Jumped at $12.00 and chased well when 4th last start at Horseshoe Indianapolis and drawn beautifully. Expected to settle towards the rear. This field likely to be too good.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 19/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 87 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1674m | FT | Alberto Burgos | 55.5kg | - | 8-7-7-6 | 3 |
| 9.5L | $0.00 |
| 7/9 | 24/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | FT | Joel Rosario | 54.5kg | - | 8-8-8 | 4 |
| 17L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Started at $18.00 and subpar when 8th last run around here but was on debut last time. Gets back and needs luck. Has a positive alley. Prefer in something easier.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/11 | 31/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | FT | Tyler Gaffalione | 53.5kg | - | 9-9-9 | 7 |
| 7.1L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Javier Castellano
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Started $36.00 and ran on into 4th last run around here. Does take a while to get into stride. Would need to step up.
Last Starts 35 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 | 23/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | GD | Francisco Arrieta | 56.5kg | - | 6-5-4-4 | 2 |
| 9.3L | $0.00 |
| 6/8 | 19/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FT | Luis Saez | 57kg | - | 6-6-6-7 | 3 |
| 8.8L | $0.00 |
| 12/12 | 06/12/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1207m | FT | Emmanuel Esquivel | 55.5kg | - | 11-12-12 | 10 |
| 4.8L | $15.00 |
| 3/6 | 30/10/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 92 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | SY | Chase Miller | 54.5kg | - | 6-6-6-5 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $41.00 |
| 10/12 | 26/05/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 84 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Chase Miller | 53.5kg | - | 11-11-10-10 | 8 |
| 10.5L | $61.00 |
| 12/12 | 13/04/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Vincent Cheminaud | 54.5kg | - | 11-11-12-12 | 5 |
| 35.5L | $61.00 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Was $6.50 and sub-standard effort when 6th last start at this track but was a debutant last start. Not likely to pull off the victory.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 07/06/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 91 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | FT | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | - | 7-5-6 | 7 |
| 5.2L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Flashed home late into 2nd last run around here. Irad Ortiz Jr is an advantage. In strong racing shape this campaign. Well respected contender.
Last Starts 28 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 | 30/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FT | Irad Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | - | 3-3-3-2 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $0.00 |
| 2/8 | 26/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 85 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 2012m | FT | Irad Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | - | 1-1-1-1-1 | 7 |
| 0.5L | $0.00 |
| 5/8 | 21/03/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Fair Grounds | 1710m | FT | Flavien Prat | 54.5kg | - | 6-4-5-5 | 4 |
| 4.3L | $3.00 |
| 4/8 | 14/09/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 81 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | SY | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | - | 5-6-5-4 | 8 |
| 4.3L | $3.90 |
| 5/11 | 11/08/2025 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | FAST | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | - | 9-9-6 | 11 |
| 3.65L | $5.00 |

Jockey: Luis Saez
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Odds of $5.00 and couldn't stay in touch when 7th last start at the track. Capable of bouncing back. Should muster plenty of early toe. Can lift in this event.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/11 | 25/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 88 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Jr Ricardo Santana | 53.5kg | - | 2-2-2-3 | 3 |
| 8L | $0.00 |
| 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: Junior Alvarado
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
At $8.00 pushed past some when 4th last time at the track. Can show up in this at odds.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 31/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | FT | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | - | 10-10-8 | 6 |
| 4.6L | $0.00 |
| 4/6 | 29/03/2026 | - | 03 | $0.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1207m | FAST | Taylor Kingsley | 48.799999952316284kg | - | 5-6-4 | 1 |
| 5.5L | $3.70 |

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
First up after a break of 46 weeks. Odds of $5.00 and finished 4th last run at Saratoga but having second career run. Change in trainer. Could feature here.
Last Starts 322 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 09/08/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 80 | $0.00 | Saratoga | 1207m | FT | Irad Ortiz Jr | 54kg | - | 4-3-4 | 8 |
| 7.3L | $4.00 |
| 7/9 | 03/02/2018 | - | Claiming 70 | $0.00 | Mahoning Valley | 1207m | FT | T D Houghton | 56kg | - | 2-4-7 | 6 |
| 16.2L | $0.00 |
| 4/10 | 30/10/2017 | - | Claiming 67 | $0.00 | Mountaineer Park | 1106m | MY | Gabriel Lagunes | 54.5kg | - | 2-2-2 | 10 |
| 3.6L | $0.00 |
| 5/9 | 18/10/2017 | - | Claiming 78 | $0.00 | Delaware Park | 1106m | FT | Augusto A Marin | 54.5kg | - | 1-1-3 | 9 |
| 11.8L | $0.00 |
| 2/7 | 04/10/2017 | - | Claiming 77 | $0.00 | Delaware Park | 1207m | FT | Augusto A Marin | 53.5kg | - | 1-1-2 | 4 |
| 4L | $0.00 |
| 9/10 | 18/09/2017 | - | Claiming 77 | $0.00 | Delaware Park | 1106m | FT | Edwin Gonzalez | 55kg | - | 2-2-9 | 4 |
| 11.4L | $0.00 |
| 6/6 | 03/09/2017 | - | 87 | $0.00 | Suffolk Downs | 1609m | MY | Edwin Gonzalez | 55kg | - | 1-1-3-6 | 1 |
| 22.8L | $0.00 |
| 7/9 | 17/08/2017 | - | Claiming 78 | $0.00 | Delaware Park | 1006m | FM | Edwin Gonzalez | 56kg | - | 8-6-6 | 3 |
| 6.1L | $0.00 |
| 1/7 | 31/07/2017 | - | Claiming 78 | $0.00 | Delaware Park | 1006m | FM | Edwin Gonzalez | 55.5kg | - | 1-1-1 | 5 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 |
| 7/9 | 30/04/2017 | - | Claiming 80 | $0.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1710m | FM | Luis Figueroa | 54.5kg | - | 1-1-1-2 | 4 |
| 2.9L | $0.00 |
| 3/10 | 12/04/2017 | - | Claiming 82 | $0.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1609m | FM | Luis Figueroa | 54.5kg | - | 1-1-2-2 | 1 |
| 7.5L | $0.00 |
| 7/10 | 22/03/2017 | - | Claiming 80 | $0.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1710m | FM | Luis Figueroa | 54.5kg | - | 1-1-1-2 | 1 |
| 5.4L | $0.00 |
| 7/8 | 01/03/2017 | - | Claiming 74 | $0.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1609m | FM | David Delgado | 54.5kg | - | 4-4-5-7 | 4 |
| 22.8L | $0.00 |
| 9/11 | 09/02/2017 | - | Claiming 78 | $0.00 | Tampa Bay Downs | 1106m | FT | Wilmer A Garcia | 53.5kg | - | 5-8-9 | 2 |
| 20.3L | $0.00 |
| 8/8 | 09/06/2016 | - | Claiming 68 | $0.00 | Finger Lakes | 1207m | FT | H Javier Hernandez | 53kg | - | 4-4-8 | 7 |
| 47.1L | $0.00 |
| 8/8 | 31/05/2016 | - | Claiming 69 | $0.00 | Finger Lakes | 1207m | FT | H Javier Hernandez | 54.5kg | - | 2-7-8 | 5 |
| 22.8L | $0.00 |
| 6/9 | 01/04/2016 | - | Claiming 78 | $0.00 | Camarero Race Track | 1207m | MY | Israel O Rodriguez | 54.5kg | - | 3-3-4 | 3 |
| 12.7L | $0.00 |
| 4/4 | 27/02/2016 | - | Allowance 82 | $0.00 | Camarero Race Track | 1408m | FT | Erik Ramirez | 52.5kg | - | 1-1-2 | 3 |
| 9.5L | $0.00 |
| 4/5 | 30/01/2016 | - | Claiming 73 | $0.00 | Camarero Race Track | 1609m | FT | Erik Ramirez | 53kg | - | 2-2-2-3 | 5 |
| 5.3L | $0.00 |
| 5/5 | 19/01/2016 | - | Optional Claiming 83 | $0.00 | Louisiana Downs | 201m | FT | Randy B Edison | 57kg | - | 5() | 3 |
| 1.8L | $0.00 |
| 3/5 | 16/01/2016 | - | Allowance 86 | $0.00 | Camarero Race Track | 1609m | FT | Erik Ramirez | 52.5kg | - | 3-2-2-2 | 4 |
| 6.5L | $0.00 |

Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Caught the eye when 3rd beaten by just short of 15L last start at this venue. Has not missed the money this preparation in 2 attempts. Can't leave out of your calculations.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 30/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FT | James Graham | 56.5kg | - | 8-8-7-3 | 4 |
| 14.5L | $0.00 |
| 3/8 | 19/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FT | James Graham | 57kg | - | 8-8-5-3 | 7 |
| 3L | $0.00 |
| 8/10 | 21/01/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FT | Irving Moncada | 55.5kg | - | 7-9-9-7 | 3 |
| 10.3L | $13.00 |
| 7/11 | 03/12/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 96 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 2012m | FT | Victor R Carrasco | 55kg | - | 7-6-6-5-7 | 11 |
| 9.3L | $18.00 |
| 5/7 | 20/11/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | MY | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 55kg | - | 3-3-3-4 | 5 |
| 12.1L | $11.00 |
| 7/12 | 22/10/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | FAST | James Graham | 54.5kg | - | 12-12-10-8 | 7 |
| 5.6L | $21.00 |
| 3/12 | 25/09/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 94 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FT | Lanfranco Dettori | 54.5kg | - | 12-9-7-3 | 2 |
| 5L | $21.00 |
| 3/11 | 22/08/2025 | - | 3U | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FAST | Gabriel Saez | 53.5kg | - | 10-9-6-4 | 6 |
| 2.75L | $20.00 |
| 3/7 | 13/07/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FT | Gabriel Saez | 53.5kg | - | 7-6-4-3 | 4 |
| 5.5L | $26.00 |
| 5/11 | 24/05/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 89 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | FT | Gabriel Saez | 53.5kg | - | 9-11-9-8 | 7 |
| 11.3L | $71.00 |
| 5/11 | 22/03/2025 | - | 03 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1609m | FAST | Declan Cannon | 54.5kg | - | 11-11-10-8 | 9 |
| 6.25L | $34.00 |
| 5/11 | 22/02/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 83 | $0.00 | Turfway Park | 1308m | FT | Declan Cannon | 54.5kg | - | 10-8-4 | 11 |
| 3.4L | $41.00 |
| 10/11 | 25/10/2024 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1308m | FT | Rafael Bejarano | 54kg | - | 11-11-10 | 9 |
| 31.3L | $31.00 |

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Faded at the finish when 2nd beaten by 3 1/2L last time at the track and showing improvement in recent outings. Can win this.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 23/05/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 93 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | GD | Irad Ortiz Jr | 53.5kg | - | 1-1-1-2 | 4 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 |
| 3/9 | 19/04/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 95 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | FT | Joel Rosario | 54.5kg | - | 3-3-3 | 1 |
| 7L | $0.00 |
| 8/11 | 16/10/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Keeneland | 1408m | FT | Luis Saez | 54kg | - | 4-2-7 | 7 |
| 21.3L | $2.50 |
| 5/12 | 12/09/2025 | - | MDN Special Weight 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | Luis Saez | 54kg | - | 8-7-7 | 2 |
| 6.3L | $6.00 |