Churchill Downs Trip Notes and Horses to Watch (September 13-15)

 

The following are trip notes for horses who had tough trips during the opening week of the Churchill Downs September meet and are eligible improve next time.

Add these runners to your horses to watch list, and bet them back next time out if they land in a reasonable spot.

It was a little hot but weather conditions were favorable for the week of September 13-15, with a fast main track and firm turf.

The horses listed below from last week's races at Churchill Downs all have a good chance to run well, and perhaps outrun their odds, in subsequent starts.

Churchill Downs Trip Notes (September 13-15)

ANSWER IN: First-time starter didn't handle the rail post and broke last in a 12-horse field , but then recovered to run well for second. Eligible to win next time, especially if he gets away from the rail post.

BAJAN CASH: Was no threat to a runaway winner, but actually ran a solid effort from way too far back due to a slow start to pass eight horses for second. Just needs a decent start.

BANGO: Had to battle for the lead and got clear into the stretch but the early efforts took their toll and settled for second. Beat the early challengers and finished five lengths clear of the third-place horse and is ready to graduate.

C Z ROCKET: Ran on late for third at six furlongs behind a runaway wire-to-wire odds-on favorite when needing a race off a seven-month layoff. Prepped and ready now.

DAYS OF GLORY: Gained too little too late after waiting when blocked in traffic until midstretch. Lost by only a length, but will be a live overlay based on that fourth-place finish.

DECEMBER SEVEN: Was hounded along on the lead with a 4 ½-length-gap back to the rest of the field. Outran the challenger to be fifth. Try again at a nice price.

EXCESSION: Closed from behind, was blocked on the turn and made an early move when clear only to be bothered and passed late in the stretch for third. Just needs clear sailing.

FLAT AWESOME JENNY: Settled for third when unable to get a breather up front, battling in a three-way duel and then dueling again when confronted by a fresh challenger in the stretch.

SUMMER DELIVERY: Winner from Oaklawn returned from a six-month layoff to finish fourth, but will be a live overlay in next taking the worst of a three-way photo for second. Looks good in second off the layoff.

WAR BALLAD: Pinched back at the break to begin last, then used early to hustle into contention and outran 15-1 odds for second as the only horse in the race to gain from off the pace.

Photo: Coady Photo/Churchill Downs