Encouraged by the early odds on my choice, Zurlin (10), in the upcoming fifth at Churchill Downs. She is 11-1 with 15 minutes to post.

Although no standout in a contentious race, she merits respect as an overlaid contender, coming off a third Mar. 7 at Fair Grounds that was better than it appears with a quick glance at the past performances. The race rated highly on the TimeformUs scale, and from which the winner, Orageuse, came back with a fine third in an allowance at Keeneland. He has also been training swiftly over the two months since that race for trainer Steve Margolis.