Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who holds the Bashford Manor record with five wins in the race, will saddled Overbrook Farm's Bustin' Out. Others considered as "possible" include the 2-3 finishers in the Kentucky Breeders' Cup, First Money and Exploit Lad.
Cuvee, a romping winner in the Kentucky Breeders' Cup (gr. III), looms as a heavy favorite in Sunday's 102nd running of the six-furlong race for 2-year-olds - but he will be challenged by some new faces. Dogwood Stable's Limehouse, the unbeaten winner of the Three Chimneys Juvenile on Kentucky Derby Day, will return to Churchill Downs to run in the Bashford Manor for trainer Todd Pletcher. Another unbeaten colt, Coast To Coast Racing Fund's Next Bandit, winner of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Sales Futurity at Lone Star Park for trainer Brett Calhoun, will also run.