Ellis ParkSun, August 16, 2026

PROCTOR PHANTOM (5) is back at the races for the first time since February 19. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a lay-off last time in work over 6f at Woodbine All Weather. Hasn't scored when fresh from a break but generally races well with two minor placings. Has ability and should be right in the finish. MISTER POSITIVITY (2) missed the placings two starts back when resuming then ran a better race and finished 3 lengths away in fourth last time out over 1m at Ellis Park Turf after being in contention on the corner. Suitably placed so anticipating a big run this time. MCILROY (8) is usually thereabouts but finds it hard to win, with only one victory from 13 starts. Was again denied last start when he found a couple better over 6½f at Churchill Downs. In the right race and there is no reason he cannot get the major prize. ROMANTIC LEAD (6) was in the money two starts back at this track but couldn't back it up last time when seventh, beaten 11 lengths, at this track (Dirt) over 1m. Open to improvement and should be about the mark.