Scipion Back at Churchill

Scipion, whose hype has thus far exceeded his accomplishments, will seek his first win in more than nine months in today’s ninth at Churchill Downs. The race is part of a pick-six carry-over that is more than $700,000.

A 3-year-old A.P. Indy colt owned by breeder Virginia Kraft Payson and trained by Patrick Biancone, Scipion was considered a Kentucky Derby contender at one point, but he never ran in any of the Triple Crown races.

The dark bay colt hasn’t won since he took the Risen Star, a Grade III, on Feb. 12 at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. He returned a month later to finish sixth in the Louisiana Derby, then was sidelined until he finished 10th of 11 in the Discovery Handicap on Oct. 29 at Belmont Park.

Scipion is one of five sons of A.P. Indy running in the race. The field also includes Indy Storm, Under Caution, Indy Moon and Patriot Act, who has won two of his last three for owner William Farish and trainer Neil Howard.

Race of the day: Planning Surprises, who broke her maiden sprinting on the turf in her first start in more than 11 months for trainer Bob Baffert, will move to the main track in tonight’s seventh at Hollywood Park.

One for the road: Johnny R has trained well for his first start since May 19 for high-percentage trainer Greg Gilchrist in today’s sixth at Golden Gate Fields. The 2-year-old gelded son of Delaware Township had a bullet drill out of the gate over the track and should come back firing for owner Joseph Stiglich under jockey Macario Rodriguez in the $25,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Fortyfivecalibur, Stillwell and Beau in the fifth, Olympic Experience, Sneak Attack and Southern Dish in the sixth, Planning Surprises in the seventh and Yankelevitz, Senator Matty and Hurricane Blaine in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/24. Money: (previous day/meet total): $17.40/$117.20. Total money bet: $116.