By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 3 Maxfield Stakes tops Sunday’s card at Churchill Downs, serving as Race 9 with a $250,000 purse for three-year-olds sprinting seven furlongs on the main track. Scheduled for a 4:56 p.m. ET post, the race features a balanced field of promising sophomores.
Using the speed and pace figures from Today’s Racing Digest, here’s a closer look at the field and the top contenders.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
#1 Igniter (12-1)
Igniter enters in improving form after posting two victories and a third-place finish in his last three starts, including a stakes win in the Jimmy Winkfield. His final time ratings have steadily progressed, suggesting he’s moving in the right direction.
The biggest questions are whether he’ll duplicate that form stretching back to seven furlongs against stronger competition and whether the rail draw will compromise his preferred running style.
#2 Spun D M C (20-1)
Spun D M C owns a solid record with two wins from four starts and exits an optional claiming victory at Oaklawn. However, his career-best effort came while racing with Lasix, which will not be permitted in this stakes event.
He’ll also need to prove he can transfer his six-furlong form to seven furlongs against significantly tougher company.
#3 Oscar’s Hope (10-1)
Oscar’s Hope has quietly developed into a consistent runner, finishing in the top three in eight of nine career starts while winning four races. He’s already proven effective at Churchill Downs and has shown he can handle seven furlongs.
Although his recent speed figures leave him a notch below the top contenders, his consistency makes him a viable candidate for the trifecta or superfecta.
#4 Brant (3-1)
Brant may be the most intriguing horse in the race.
As a two-year-old, he captured the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity and finished a close third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile before disappointing in his seasonal debut in the San Felipe Stakes.
The cutback from two turns to seven furlongs could be exactly what he needs. He’s undefeated in two one-turn dirt races, and this race should reveal whether his sophomore campaign can regain momentum.
#5 American Man (12-1)
American Man has won two of three starts and comes off a solid optional claiming victory at Churchill Downs.
While he’s shown promise, his speed figures indicate he’ll need another significant step forward to compete with this caliber of field.
#6 Prize Pick (6-1)
Prize Pick enters as one of the fastest horses in the field based on recent performances.
He broke his maiden at seven furlongs before returning to dominate a one-turn mile by three lengths, earning impressive final time ratings in both races. His early speed should put him in a forward position throughout the race.
Now comes the class test as he steps into stakes competition for the first time.
#7 Deep Flame (9-5)
Deep Flame appears to be a colt on the rise.
His speed figures have improved with every start, culminating in a dominant seven-length maiden victory at Churchill Downs. Even before that breakout performance, he showed considerable talent while chasing quality runners and finishing well clear of the remainder of the field.
With tactical speed, continued improvement, and the successful combination of trainer Brad Cox and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., he looks poised for another forward move.
#8 Crown the Buckeye (7-2)
Crown the Buckeye has already faced some of the strongest competition in this division.
After finishing a clear second in the Gotham Stakes, he returned to contest the Pat Day Mile against another talented field. The cutback to seven furlongs appears favorable, and his outside draw should allow Jose Ortiz to secure a comfortable stalking trip.
He’s one of the most reliable contenders in the race.