Churchill DownsSat, September 14, 2024

Group 1 placegetter SKELLY (10) found one better last start in the G1 Alfred G Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga (Dirt) over this distance after he was prominent at the corner. Form over this journey is strong, boasting 10 wins from 16 starts. Expected to cross from wide out. Sure to be in the finish. Group 1 placegetter CLOSETHEGAME SUGAR (2) found one better last start in the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar (Dirt) over this distance after he was in contention on the corner. Has found the frame in all four starts at this journey, including two wins. Should settle handy in the run. Likely to feature. MY BUDDY B (4) has two wins and one placing from four starts this campaign. Scored last start by 1.5 lengths at Listed level at Parx (Dirt) over 6½f after being handy all the way. Must raise the bar but he has the talent to test this line-up. Group 3 placegetter HAPPY IS A CHOICE (7) turned in an eye-catching run over 6½f in stakes class at Ellis Park (Dirt) last time, ridden back before coming home with a powerful run to finish third. Nice class drop this time. Too good to ignore.