Running With Louisville Crowd

Fields have been large since Churchill Downs began its fall meet Sunday, and today’s card at the Louisville, Ky., track is no exception. A total of 119 horses were entered in 10 races, 35 in the final two.

The eighth, a $59,200 optional claimer at six furlongs, is an exception, having attracted only seven horses. Ministers Wild Cat, a son of Deputy Minister whose accomplishments have never equaled his hype, will run against Engineered, Founding Chairman, Without A Doubt, Scat Sam Man, Ruba Dub Dub and Artemus Sunrise.

Ministers Wild Cat debuted for trainer Bob Holthus on Oct. 17, finishing second, a length behind Jeffries Bay as the 11-10 favorite, at Keeneland. John McKee will again ride the 4-year-old, who has won three of 14.

Race of the day: Woodlass, who won her only other start on the Hollywood Park main track by 2 1/2 lengths last Nov. 11, will try for another in today’s seventh, a $42,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Jon Court will ride the 4-year-old Woodman filly, the 2-1 favorite on the morning line. Gold Player, Lady Thatcher, Awesome Lady, Lucky In Love and Maestria will provide the opposition.

One for the road: Old Forester is fresh off an impressive sprint victory for trainer Bill Mott and should be tough stretching out to a mile on the turf in today’s $60,000 Manila at Aqueduct. Edgar Prado will ride the 3-year-old Forestry colt.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using No One Like Me and Clever M.D. in the third, Muddy Halo and Virtuous Lady in the fourth and JJ Wantsthefront and Butte City in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/5. Money: Previous day/meet total: $33.20/$33.20. Total money bet: $16.