+1d Churchill Downs

A wide-open running of this historic race staged continuously since 1875. Explora is one of the most solid fillies; she has tactical speed and should improve for this slightly longer trip. She does not seem to have a lot in hand of Counting Stars based on their Oaklawn meeting, however, and others may have a shade more star quality. Percy's Bar is bound to be popular after her Ashland win which featured a good turn of foot, though the slow pace will encourage many to think the stronger-staying Zany (second preference) could reverse the form. The latter ran away with the Demoiselle at Aqueduct last December in the face of a stronger gallop and could thrive facing a good test at the trip here. Always A Runner and Meaning are promising runners too, but PROM QUEEN seems like the most exciting horse in the line-up. High-class dirt horses often have the ability to dominate races on the turn, and the move this filly made at Gulfstream without being hard ridden is hard to forget. [James Willoughby]