Thursday Morning Notes - June 8

- Reader Bank Check pointed out that Wayne Lukas did have a winner at Churchill on Wednesday, his first of the meeting, and only his second winner over all in his last 52 starters.

On Thursday, he sends out Ex Caelis (Fusaichi Pegasus), finally in the entry-level allowance for which she's been eligible ever since she went directly from a maiden win in her second start to graded stakes company. She’d been battling on gamely for money spots behind some top fillies, but was eased in the Kentucky Oaks. She’s listed as the 2-1 favorite, but one wonders if her spirit has been broken. She certainly seems like a vulnerable favorite, if she does indeed go off as the choice.

Bootery (Storm Boot) ran a bang-up third in a field-high 81 Beyer in his first race around two turns, and seems more like the logical favorite to me. However, there are two others worth watching who will probably present better value. She’s a Devil Slew was a disappointment running 4th in her first try against winners. But that was at the tricky 7 ½ furlong distance, and here she tries two turns for the first time. By Seattle Slew out of the graded stakes winner mare She’s a Devil Due (Devil His Due), she’s certainly bred for the stretchout.

And Neil Howard sends out recent graduate Maxine’s Hymn (Seeking the Gold). She’s demonstrated that she loves two turns, with a win and two very close seconds in four tries (and the 4th one was at Keeneland). She’s a bit lighter than the other contenders Beyer-wise, but is eligible to improve. She’s out of a Danzig half-sister to the multiple graded winner Tricky Creek.