By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 3 Hanshin Stakes goes as Race 10 on Sunday at Churchill Downs and features a competitive field of ten older horses competing over one mile around one turn on the main track. Scheduled for 5:28 p.m. ET on June 28, the $300,000 race brings together multiple horses with proven form at Churchill Downs.
After reviewing the field and the Today’s Racing Digest speed figures, here are my top contenders and wagering outlook.
Race Overview
Several runners enter this race in strong current form, but pace and trip could ultimately determine the outcome. There appears to be enough early speed to set up horses with tactical positioning, while a few late closers will be hoping for a fast pace.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
#1 Moonlight (12-1)
Moonlight enters off an encouraging runner-up finish in the Knicks Go Stakes after rebounding from a pair of disappointing route efforts earlier this season. He has proven to be especially effective at Churchill Downs, posting three wins and two runner-up finishes in six local starts.
His best weapon is a powerful late kick, and from the rail he should save ground before making one run through the stretch. At double-digit odds, he offers plenty of value for exotic wagers.
#2 Neoquos (10-1)
Neoquos has finished in the top three in each of his last three starts, including solid performances in graded stakes company. His tactical speed allows him to either press the pace or settle just behind the leaders, making him a logical contender if he continues his recent consistency.
#3 Owen Almighty (5-1)
Owen Almighty exits a runner-up finish in optional claiming company but now steps back into graded stakes competition. While capable of improving, he’ll need another forward move to threaten the top contenders.
#4 Imagination (6-1)
Bob Baffert’s Imagination remains an intriguing horse thanks to his versatility. He’s proven capable of handling both sprint and route distances and owns speed figures that compare favorably with this field.
Flavien Prat is expected to secure a stalking position just behind the leaders before asking for his run entering the stretch.
#5 Dragoon Guard (4-1)
Dragoon Guard continues to deliver consistent performances for Brad Cox. Whether setting the pace, stalking, or closing from slightly farther back, his versatility makes him one of the race’s most dependable runners.
After racing from farther off the pace last time from the inside post following the removal of blinkers, expect Irad Ortiz Jr. to keep him closer to the leaders this time around.
#6 Hall of Fame (8-1)
Hall of Fame cuts back from longer distances after facing graded stakes company. While he has shown flashes of ability, his recent speed figures suggest he’ll need improvement to contend here.
#7 Crazy Mason (6-1)
Crazy Mason is one of the field’s strongest late closers. He consistently makes up ground in the stretch but often leaves himself with too much to do. If the early pace becomes contested, he could once again rally into the minor awards.
#8 Nu What’s New (10-1)
Nu What’s New disappointed last time after disputing the pace but owns previous route speed figures that fit well with this group. If he rebounds to his earlier form, he has every right to be competitive.
#9 Coal Battle (15-1)
After an unsuccessful turf experiment, Coal Battle returns to his preferred dirt surface. His previous dirt performances have been considerably stronger, although the one-turn mile presents another challenge.
#10 Tour Player (9-2)
Tour Player enters as the one of the horses to beat.
The son of American Pharoah has won five of his last six starts while compiling an outstanding record at Churchill Downs, winning five of six local appearances. He also excels at the one-mile distance, winning five of seven starts.
His recent speed figures have remained remarkably consistent, posting back-to-back 146 final-time ratings while displaying the tactical speed needed to secure a stalking trip from the outside post.
If he reproduces those efforts or improves even slightly, he’ll be difficult to deny.