Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky (main track, dirt)
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $200,000 (includes $50,000 KTDF)
Conditions: For fillies and mares, 4 years old and upward
Scheduled Post Time: 5:46 PM ET (first post for the day: 12:45 PM ET)
Expected Weather Conditions (Louisville, KY):
Cloudy skies in the early morning with a low around 52°F and a 30% chance of isolated showers mainly between 7-8 AM, gradually clearing to mostly sunny by race time. High near 78°F, with calm winds becoming light north/northeast around 6 mph. No significant rain expected during the afternoon or evening.
Expected Track Conditions: Fast dirt. The forecast points to a dry track after any early-morning moisture burns off quickly, typical for opening day at Churchill Downs in late April. This is a competitive, well-matched field of eight older fillies and mares sprinting six furlongs on the main track to kick off Derby Week. Defending champion Zeitlos (2024 winner) returns to face Mink’s Palace (2025 winner), creating a marquee rematch. Speed figures and recent form suggest a contested pace up front, with stalkers and closers poised to benefit if the leaders tire. Morning-line favorite One Magic Philly (5/2) gets blinkers and returns to a venue where she has performed well.
Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, and Trainers
| PP | Horse | Age/Sex | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds |
| 1 | One Magic Philly (KY) | 5/M | Tyler Gaffalione | Brendan P. Walsh | 5/2 |
| 2 | Jersey Pearl (KY) | 6/M | Luan Machado | Darrin Miller | 6/1 |
| 3 | Mink’s Palace (KY) | 5/M | Luis Saez | Eddie Kenneally | 8/1 |
| 4 | Lotsandlotsofcandy (KY) | 5/M | Brian J. Hernandez, Jr. | Paul J. McGee | 7/2 |
| 5 | Lucille Ball (KY) | 4/F | Axel Concepcion | Chris J. Englehart | 15/1 |
| 6 | Zeitlos (KY) | 6/M | Jose L. Ortiz | Steve M. Asmussen | 5/1 |
| 7 | Vincey Girl (KY) | 5/M | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Jose F. D’Angelo | 9/2 |
| 8 | Asternia (KY) | 5/M | Joel Rosario | Randy L. Morse | 10/1 |
Analysis of Each Horse (including recent finishes, key form, and race-specific notes):
PP 1 – One Magic Philly (5/2, Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan P. Walsh)
Graded-stakes winner by Good Magic. Last out: 9th (speed figure 108) in the 2026 Inside Information (G2) at Gulfstream Park — an uncharacteristic dud after a strong 2025 campaign that included a solid 2nd in the Chilukki (G3) here at Churchill Downs. She gets blinkers on for the first time and has trained sharply at Churchill in preparation. Loves one-turn sprints and the Churchill surface; Gaffalione retains the mount. Expect her to sit a stalking trip from the rail and pounce. Strong top pick on class and venue affinity.
PP 2 – Jersey Pearl (6/1, Luan Machado, Darrin Miller)
6-year-old by Bee Jersey. Last out: 1st (115) in the 2025 Poinsettia (LS). Consistent router-turned-sprinter with good gate speed. Has multiple wins at Churchill but faces tougher company here. Machado is a capable local rider. Likely to be forwardly placed early but may lack the closing kick against this field. Live longshot with a pace advantage from post 2.
PP 3 – Mink’s Palace (8/1, Luis Saez, Eddie Kenneally)
Defending 2025 Roxelana winner by Palace Malice; also a four-time Churchill winner. Last out: 1st (115) in the 2025 Holiday Inaugural (LS). Making 2026 debut off a freshening. Saez is a perfect fit for her stalking style. Loves the Churchill strip and the six-furlong trip. Dangerous repeat threat at a square price if she’s fit and ready.
PP 4 – Lotsandlotsofcandy (7/2, Brian J. Hernandez, Jr., Paul J. McGee)
By Twirling Candy; very fast early. Last out: 4th (120) in the 2026 Mardi Gras (LS). Has been a consistent performer in stakes sprints and owns solid Churchill form. Hernandez knows her well and she should be right on the early pace. Prime candidate to set or press the fractions; dangerous if she doesn’t get hooked too early.
PP 5 – Lucille Ball (15/1, Axel Concepcion, Chris J. Englehart)
Youngest in the field (4/F) by Lord Nelson. Last out: 3rd (107) in the 2026 Correction (LS). Has upside but is stepping up in class and facing proven stakes performers. Concepcion is riding well locally. Likely mid-pack trip; needs a career-best effort to factor. Best as a underneath play in exotics.
PP 6 – Zeitlos (5/1, Jose L. Ortiz, Steve M. Asmussen)
2024 Roxelana winner by Curlin; four wins from seven Churchill starts and over $1.3 million in earnings. Last out: 4th (118) in the Matron (LS) at Oaklawn off a nearly five-month layoff. Asmussen and Ortiz team is always dangerous. Late runner who thrives when the pace is hot. Classic “bounce” candidate after the layoff but loves the track and distance. Major player.
PP 7 – Vincey Girl (9/2, Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose F. D’Angelo)
By Race Day; excellent closer. Last out: 1st (113) in a Tampa Bay Downs allowance (3/27/2026) off a six-month break — smart seasonal debut. Also won a sprint stakes at Gulfstream last summer. Irad Ortiz is the perfect rider for her come-from-behind style. Loves a contested pace (which this race should provide) and has “hidden” high-class form. Excellent value and a top exotic contender.
PP 8 – Asternia (10/1, Joel Rosario, Randy L. Morse)
By Astern. Last out: 5th (105) in the Matron (LS). Has shown flashes of ability but is coming off a sub-par effort and draws the far outside. Rosario is a plus, but she may need the race or a perfect trip to contend. Longshot who could improve with a pace meltdown.
