Churchill Opens With Frank’s Rockette Leading Roxelana

The six-furlong main track test will go as the ninth race Saturday on a 10-race program that serves as the kickoff to the 44-day meet highlighted by the 149th running of the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1). Post time for the Roxelana is 10:11 p.m. ET.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Frank’s Rockette is a five-time graded stakes winner with her past two starts producing an eight-length victory in the Hurricane Bertie (G3) and a 12 1/4-length victory in the Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3).

Junior Alvarado has the mount and will break from the inside post.

The top challenger to Frank’s Rockette looks to be Marylou Whitney Stables’ three-time stakes winner Pretty Birdie .

Trained by Norm Casse, Pretty Birdie has compiled a 1-2-0 record in three starts at Churchill Downs with the runner-up efforts coming last spring in the Eight Belles Stakes (G2) and the Leslie Lady Overnight Stakes.

Luis Saez is aboard Pretty Birdie from post position 5.

Another runner expected to draw support is Rigney Racing’s Coppelia . Trained by Phil Bauer, Coppelia won the Dream Supreme Stakes at Churchill last fall and will be making her 2023 debut. Tyler Gaffalione rides Coppelia, who breaks from the outside.