Churchill Downs Race 8 - Pocahontas S. Stakes
MANUKA HONEY (2) Had a comfortable win by 7L last run at Ellis Park and will try to take advantage of the barrier. Flying this campaign with 2 wins from as many runs. Goes very close. PIERETTE (1) Disappointing display when 6th last time at Saratoga but will appreciate a good barrier. Won't be far away during the run. Very competitive this preparation. Matched against tougher rivals. Will give a big sight. SCARLETT BEGONIA (6) Caught the eye when 3rd beaten by 3 3/4L last run at Saratoga but matched against a stronger field. Great to see jockey Flavien Prat taking the ride. Gets a chance to win. BETTY SUE (5) Found another gear when winning by a margin of 10L last time Parx At Philadelphia and going over more ground. Has plenty of early speed. Right in this.
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Was $4.50 and disappointing outing when 6th last time at Saratoga but has drawn the rails. Should race on the speed. Has won 2 from 3 attempts this campaign. Expect a forward showing.
Last Starts 40 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 | 02/08/2026 | - | Stakes 91 | $0.00 | Saratoga | 1308m | FT | Jose L Ortiz | 55.5kg | - | 7-8-8 | 3 |
| 6.9L | $0.00 |
| 1/8 | 28/06/2026 | - | Stakes 86 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | FT | Jose L Ortiz | 54.5kg | - | 4-3-2 | 2 |
| 1.5L | $0.00 |
| 1/8 | 15/05/2026 | - | 02 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1005m | FIRM | Axel Concepcion | 54kg | - | 3-3-3 | 1 |
| 1.75L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Luis Saez
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Ran away with a win by 7L last run at Ellis Park and has a positive gate. Has not missed this preparation with 2 wins from as many runs. Definitely worth considering.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 09/08/2026 | - | Stakes 85 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | FT | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | - | 3-3-1 | 6 |
| 7L | $0.00 |
| 1/12 | 20/06/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 81 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 1006m | FT | Luis Saez | 54kg | - | 5-3-1 | 11 |
| 7.3L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Finished well when winning last run at Ellis Park and fitter for debut run. Recent form of J Tyler Servis is strong but competing in a more challenging class. Will need to find a few more lengths.
Last Starts 47 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 26/07/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 78 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | FT | Jaime A Torres | 54kg | - | 6-6-2-1 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Christopher A. Emigh
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing as a debutant 2yo by City Of Light for trainer Brittany A Vanden Berg. Market as guide.
Jockey: Assael Espinoza
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Had a comfortable win by 10L last time Parx At Philadelphia and going over extra ground. Likely to be well placed early. Stable is in form. Definite claims for punters.
Last Starts 17 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 | 25/08/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 69 | $0.00 | Parx At Philadelphia | 1106m | FT | Joshua J Radosevich | 48.799999952316284kg | - | 2-1-1 | 6 |
| 10L | $0.00 |
| 2/8 | 31/07/2026 | - | MDN Optional Claiming 70 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | FT | Abel Cedillo | 54kg | - | 7-3-2 | 4 |
| 2.3L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Came on strongly to finish 3rd last run at Saratoga but up against tougher opponents. Has not missed the money this preparation in 2 attempts. Must respect.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 02/08/2026 | - | Stakes 91 | $0.00 | Saratoga | 1308m | FT | Irad Ortiz Jr | 55.5kg | - | 5-5-4 | 6 |
| 3.8L | $0.00 |
| 1/11 | 06/07/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 75 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1106m | FT | Luan Machado | 54kg | - | 5-5-3 | 4 |
| 3.8L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Won easily by a margin of 6L last time at Ellis Park but up against a higher level of opposition. Will be trying to topple them late. Watch the betting.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 09/08/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 76 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | FT | Cristian A Torres | 54kg | - | 4-4-1 | 6 |
| 6L | $0.00 |
| 2/11 | 06/07/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 75 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1106m | FT | Cristian A Torres | 54kg | - | 9-8-6 | 7 |
| 3.8L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Was strong late when 2nd last time at Ellis Park and putting a tidy record together. In fine form this preparation but racing in stronger company. Likely to get back. Will be facing a challenge.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 09/08/2026 | - | Stakes 85 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | FT | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | - | 7-7-2 | 3 |
| 7L | $0.00 |
| 1/10 | 10/07/2026 | - | MDN Optional Claiming 68 | $0.00 | Ellis Park | 1207m | FT | Declan Cannon | 54kg | - | 8-3-1 | 6 |
| 1L | $0.00 |
| 6/8 | 13/06/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 81 | $0.00 | Churchill Downs | 905m | FT | Declan Cannon | 54kg | - | 7-7 | 4 |
| 6.6L | $0.00 |
Jockey: Danny Sheehy
Weight: 55.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Was very impressive when winning by 3 1/2L last run at Horseshoe Indianapolis and was on debut last time. Stepping up in distance. Up in grade. Prefer in something weaker.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 24/08/2026 | - | MDN Special Weight 63 | $0.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | 1106m | FT | Edgar Morales | 54.5kg | - | 5-3-1 | 1 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 |