Arklow makes 2021 debut in G3 Louisville Stakes

Grade 1-winning turf specialist Arklow is set to return from a nearly six-month break in Saturday’s 84th running of the Grade 3, $150,000 Louisville Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Saturday’s Louisville Stakes, run at 1 1/2 miles on the Matt Winn Turf Course, is the featured event on the 11-race program. First post is 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern) and the Louisville will go as the finale at 5:58 p.m.

Trained by 2020 Eclipse Award-winning conditioner Brad Cox, Arklow has been off since winning November’s $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at Del Mar. The now 7-year-old son of Arch has recorded eight lifetime victories through 31 starts with earnings topping a stout $2.66 million. Arklow has one victory over the Matt Winn Turf Course four years ago in the American Turf (G2).

Jockey Florent Geroux, who has been aboard Arklow for 16 previous starts, has the call from post No. 10.

With a victory Saturday, trainer Kenny McPeek would tie Bill Mott for the most victories in the Louisville Stakes with six. McPeek entered stakes winner Crafty Daddy along with three-time winner Fighting Seabee.

Mott hopes to extend his lead with $150,000 Elkhorn (G3) winner Red Knight. The 7-year-old gelded son of Pure Prize finished second to Arklow in last year’s $1 million Kentucky Turf Cup (G3) at Kentucky Downs.