Pomeroys Pistol Returns in Eight Belles

Pomeroys Pistol captured the seven furlong Forward Gal (G2) in Florida and she is back at her winning distance in Friday's Eight Belles (G3) at Churchill Downs.

The overachieving daughter of Pomeroy placed in all three graded starts at Gulfstream and ran into R Heat Lightning when last seen on Feb 26. It is tough to win at seven furlongs off the shelf and she looms a pace factor at the very least. 

Arienza was a Kentucky Oaks candidate but her connections decided to cut back in distance for this spot. She won her first two outings before getting blasted by Joyful Victory in the Fantasy Stakes. The well-bred $800,000 daughter of Azeri began her career on March 10 and has done plenty in a short period. She sports a local bullet for this and figures in the hunt throughout under Ramon Dominguez.  

Holiday Flare adds fuel to the pace fire for John Velazquez and Todd Pletcher. The Florida-bred filly has never raced this far and could be overbet.

Home Sweet Aspen could sit the right tactical trip and should offer value for Joel Rosario and John Sadler. She ran well in both Santa Anita outings and makes her first start in more than 55-days.

Mysterious Chimes, Formal Plan, Honey Chile, Victoria's Wildcat, Angelica Zapata, and Dr. Diamonds Prize are also entered.