Churchill DownsWed, September 18, 2024

Group 3 placegetter BILLAL (7) was responsible for a solid effort last time out when second at Saratoga (Dirt) over 6f, beaten 1.5 lengths. Is going well this campaign, recording a win and three minor placings from five starts. Sure to run well. SAVE THE TREES (10) finished fourth two runs back in the G3 Dwyer Stakes at Aqueduct (Dirt) then improved last time out to score by one length as public elect after being prominent at the corner over 6f at Ellis Park (Dirt). Taking on a better line-up this time but he can go back-to-back. PURE FORCE (9) lines up on the back of a 20 length fifth over 6½f at Saratoga. Genuine type with two wins from three starts. Worth plenty of thought. FINSTER (3) is a talented type who returned from a break last start and made it two wins from as many starts, scoring by one length over 5½f at Ellis Park. Big chance again.