Churchill Downs Heats Up

The first of a slew of stakes races at Churchill Downs over the next three days will be run today.

Nine older fillies and mares will get together in the $100,000 Mamzelle at five furlongs on the turf, and nine 3-year-old fillies will meet in the $100,000 La Troienne at 7 1/2 furlongs.

Miss Terrible, who returned from a layoff to win the Las Flores Handicap for trainer Bradley Ross on Feb. 27 at Santa Anita, will seek her sixth win in eight starts on the lawn in the Mamzelle. Alex Solis, who was aboard when the 6-year-old Numerous mare won at 11-1 in Arcadia, has the mount against Mocha Queen, Ms. Trick Or Treat, Nicole’s Dream, High Speed Access, Speedy Sonata, Singit, Anna Em and Hortense.

Aspen Tree, who finished second to In The Gold in last month’s Beaumont at Keeneland, is among several contenders in the La Troienne, a Grade III.

Owned by Buckram Oak Farm and trained by Carl Nafz- ger, the daughter of Holy Bull has one win in six starts. Javier Castellano, who will ride probable Kentucky Derby favorite Bellamy Road, has the mount.

Kota, Cool Spell, Hot Storm, She’s That Cat, Seek A Star, Our Kes, Culinary and Punch Appeal round out the field.

Race of the day: Frankelstein, who has been the beaten favorite in four of his last five races, will make his first start on the Hollywood Park turf course in today’s seventh. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $104,880. David Flores will be aboard the 4-year-old Bertrando gelding for King Edward and trainer Marty Jones in the $51,000 allowance for Cal-breds at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: He’s Hammered makes his first start for high-percentage trainer Tom Amoss and can spring a mild surprise in today’s sixth at Churchill Downs. James Graham will ride the 5-year-old Rubiano gelding in the $50,000 claimer at one mile. This marks the first start at the Louisville track for the Illinois-bred gray.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Shimmer in the first; Spirited, An Annika Moment and Krissy C. in the second; Madam Bahri, Queen Irish and Holy Request in the third; and Spring Of Pearls, Newyearsresolution and Desert Tent in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/25. Money: Previous day/meet total: $3.20/$137.40. Total money bet: $158.