As the Churchill Downs spring meeting comes to a close on Sunday, the historic twin spires will host the final races with mandatory payouts on all wagers, including the Derby City 6. This popular bet has accumulated a pool of $357,208 after multiple winning tickets on Saturday. Closing day promises a thrilling combination of quality racing and solid field sizes, including a Derby City 6 sequence featuring four stakes races and a competitive maiden special weight on turf.
Finding a reliable single is crucial in a sequence like this, especially for those working with a smaller budget. A single not only allows for more flexibility in other legs but can also provide a significant edge if the chosen horse is overlooked by the majority. In this context, Walkathon presents an intriguing option.
Trained by Ian Wilkes, Walkathon has been freshened up following a commendable fifth-place finish in the Distaff Turf Mile (G2) on the Kentucky Derby undercard. Despite a quick pace set by California import Ag Bullet, Walkathon displayed notable stamina and held her own, even as Chad Brown's trio swept the trifecta. This performance, along with her earlier effort in the Jenny Wiley (G1) where she faced unfavourable conditions, suggests she is primed for a strong showing.
In the non-graded Anchorage Overnight Stakes, Walkathon steps down in class and has a good chance to upset if she can relax and finish strongly. Her performance in the Honey Fox (G3) at Gulfstream Park in early March is particularly encouraging. In that race, she was outsprinted early but settled nicely under Julien Leparoux, finishing strongly to place second behind the sharp Chili Flag. Chili Flag subsequently won the Distaff Turf Mile (G2) and the Just a Game (G1), highlighting the quality of Walkathon's competition.
Walkathon’s versatility and move to an outside post with inside speed drawn should provide jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. with strategic options out of the gate. As long as she avoids early tussles, she stands a big chance to finish first at appealing 8-1 odds.