Grade 2 Chilukki Features Strong Field at Churchill

Birdatthewire (2/1) was well-fancied in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks May 1 at Churchill, but finished fifth and hasn't made a start since. The Dale Romans trainee shows a steady work tab, but will have to overcome her slow-starting tendencies while shaking off some racing rust. She will break from the rail with Cory Lanerie in the irons. Romans connects at just 8% with runners coming back from layoffs exceeding 180 days. 

Gold Medal Dancer eyes strong return

Gold Medal Dancer (5/2) also returns from the bench after finishing sixth in the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Handicap June 13 at Churchill. Prior to that effort, the five year-old mare had been enjoying a successful and consistent 2015 campaign, including a win in the Grade 2 Azeri to go with a trio of graded stakes placings. Gold Medal Dancer is trained by Donnie Von Hemel who hits a 17% clip with runners returning from layoffs of 180 days. 

Spelling Again could shake loose 

Spelling Again (8/1) won't have to deal with any layoff rust and looks to be the speed of the race for trainer Brad Cox. The four year-old Awesome Again filly has two wins in four starts this year, including a sprint victory in the Open Mind Stakes September 12 at Churchill. She's also won at the one-mile distance with an optional allowance tally at Indiana Downs August 12. Both defeats this year have occurred over wet racing surfaces.