Churchill Downs sets initial stakes schedule as racing resumes

In preparing to return to racing May 16, Churchill Downs on Sunday released its first condition book including a number of stakes offerings under the Twin Spires.

After the opening weekend of races, Churchill will run on a Thursday through Sunday basis under strict safety protocols aimed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among horsemen. Post time is 1 p.m. ET for each card.

Trainers will be converging from Fair Grounds in Louisiana, tracks and training centers in Florida plus Arkansas' Oaklawn Park, which closed its meet Saturday.

Initial stakes during the Churchill meet include a May 23 card offering preps for the meet features, the Stephen Foster (G2) and Fleur de Lis (G2), which are late June steppingstones toward the Breeders' Cup Classic and Distaff, respectively.

Additionally, the Matt Winn (G3) sets up as a key stop for 3-year-olds who could eye new points races on the road to the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby.

Stakes officially scheduled include, with the full condition book below:

Saturday, May 23

Grade 3, $150,000 Matt Winn (3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles)

$100,000 Tepin (3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf)

$100,000 War Chant (3-year-olds at one mile on turf)

$100,000 Blame (4-year-olds and up at a mile)

$100,000 Shawnee (Older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles)

Saturday, May 30

Grade 3, $100,000 Winning Colors (Older fillies and mares at six furlongs)

Grade 3, $100,000 Old Forester Mint Julep (Older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf)

Saturday, June 6

$100,000 Dogwood (3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs)

$100,000 Aristides (4-year-olds and up at six furlongs)

Saturday, June 13

Grade 3, $100,000 Louisville (4-year-olds and up at 1 1/2 miles)