Belmont: Closer Looks for October 26, 2013

Race 2

Buddy's Smart

Can improve on the stretchout following that educational first run; his sire won a G1 and 337K while the dam was also a G1 winner who banked 1.44 million; among the winning siblings is 82K earner Summer Laugh; intriguing item.

Engine

Probably best in his debut when losing a blanket finish; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.28 million; the dam scored in 3 of 15 starts earning 29K; among the winning siblings is G3 victor More Smoke, winner of 258K.

Warrior's Crown

Solid effort alongside Engine a month ago; his sire won a G1 and 239K; the dam won 1 of 2 and 29K; there are no winning siblings to mention; obvious true contender with Hall of Fame connections.

Sampson County

Keeps earning checks and exits a personal best Beyer when somehow overlooked in the wagering; blinker introduction 2 races back has helped him focus but today he must deal with a host of stretchout sprinters; still worth some follow-up.

Alysaro

Makes the difficult rise from the claiming realm but this field appears way too tough; would benefit if able to catch another wet-fast surface but spots important route experience today; cannot endorse for the top spot on the ticket.

King of Broadway

Respectable showing at the course and distance last month but suffered through a wide racing path; the inside has been the place to be for most of this fall meet and the colt looks nicely positioned today; exacta recommendation.

In Speight Ofitall

On the shelf a long time and although the most recent workout at five-eighths was strong, he seems in need of a tightener and may be gearing up for the inner dirt meet which is not that far down the road; does return with Prado who was aboard for a narrow loss last year.

Tony D

Not far behind King of Broadway in their last encounter; has breezed moderately since that comeback race and previous 3 defeats might have been caused by the off-track; not out of the question if things remain dry.By Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Acigarisjustacigar

He earned a respectable Beyer Speed Figure two races back in comparison with what most of these have shown to be capable of, but it's tough to build a favorable case for him when seeing that he's yet to show up with a truly competitive performance; maybe the drop in class can help, but leaning toward others; third-place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 10/19 going 6f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 70 Beyer.

Katmanstu

Three of his four turf starts have been in the neighborhood of what it might take to get the job done in this spot and perhaps the drop in class is just what he's looking for; Maragh has won with 8 of 24 (33%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Sand Paper

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and dam won once from three starts for 10k, and she didn't make a turf start; third-place finnisher from debut won next out here on 5/11 going 6f vs. 50k MCL's with a 69 Beyer.

Fiddlers Tango

His lack of early speed makes him a candidate to be outrun every step of the way, and from eight career starts, his best finish to date is a fifth; he has the look of an outsider.

Solengo

If he can regain some of the better form he displayed in 2012, maybe he can get himself into the mix against these, but there really isn't anything in his recent form to help give him the look of a contender; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 9/29 going 6f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 74 Beyer.

Insighting

He's another in here dropping in class to make his first start against maiden claiming competition and he has a number of starts on his card that suggest that he can be a serious player in this spot; on a negative note, he might be a little sharper at distances shorter than today's seven-furlong assignment.

Wood On the Fire

Hook and Ladder has been a poor influence as a turf sire, and even though this colt has shown some early interest in his races, he's struggled to find a forward gear through the lane; looking toward others.

Ryan's Utopia

He hasn't made much of an impression in his first two starts after being sent to post at long odds and he's going to need to find a way to show up with a much sharper performance in order to have a say in the outcome.

Brass Pear

He's had a number of starts to show us what he can do, including a couple of turf attempts, and he's another who is going to have to take a noticeable step forward in order to contend.

Arctic Missile

He's run well enough in his two most recent races at Monmouth Park to be taken seriously against these in his return to New York; he figures to be involved in the running through the opening stages and perhaps the turn back in distance will agree with him.

Key Decision

Half-brother to multiple stakes placed Key Event (4-19, 170k over turf) was more involved in the running through the opening stages with the addition of blinkers in his latest start, and it doesn't look like he'll mind dropping in class and turning back in distance.

Seljuk

Don't like to see his 0-for-16 to race record, but his best effort appears to be strong enough to make a bid for the top prize, and he seems to be at his best at today's seven-furlong distance; not going to argue with anyone for looking favorably in this direction.

Mr. Masterpiece

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in and he's going to need to show up with an improved performance if he's to threaten the top contenders in here.

Ten Ed

There really isn't any dirt form in the main body of this race worth mentioning and this gelding finished right behind today's rival Red Shogun in his latest outing; this will be a favorable spot for this gelding to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf.

Red Shogun

He may very well prove to be the one to deny if this race is moved to the main track and he appears to be very well meant while getting a rider switch to Castellano; it looks like he tuned up with a sharp four-furlong workout on October 19 in preparation for this.

Six Drivers

His first two career starts have been over turf but this would be a good spot for him to find out what he can do racing over dirt; runner-up from latest returned to win the next out here on 10/17 going 7f over turf vs. 16k MCL's with a 66 Beyer. By Brian Pochman

Race 4

Yes It's Pink

Deep closer has never raced this short of a distance which is the primary concern being able to get up in time; 2 of her last 3 losses were as the beaten-betting choice; 48 days away for a 34%-winning route-to-sprint trainer since 2012; would have to get by Strategic Missile who handled in July at longer when closing too late; saves ground then makes 1 run.

Double the Energy

Won her only other BEL-Inner Turf start upsetting on yielding turf on the lead; solid form since leaving SAR; versatile sort posted her last win up top but she can score from anywhere; posted the field's best Beyers on GP grass at 5F; back in just 17 days to make her 3rd start in 37 days.

Ave's Halo

Stalker is ranked a notch below this group off last; career-best Beyer was accomplished on today's turf course at the 6F distance; main knock is that she raced evenly vs. this same kind in latest without making any impact; the 2-back win rider sides again with Double the Energy.

Rakin' Gold

Last win was right on the lead which was also the last time racing on BEL Inner Turf; made the pace in last posting a career-best Beyer but had no answers in deep stretch vs. this same bunch; rider from last stays right here scoring 31%-BEL winners for the barn since 2012; others appeal more.

Nice Stuff

Declining-Beyer pattern off the 3-back exacta finish; last win was on today's BEL Inner Turf at the distance of today's event but way back in May, 2012; has been consistent for the newest conditioner but 9 minor awards with 2 wins on turf suggests she often races well in defeat.

Strategic Missile

Winless since June, 2012, a 7F gate-to-wire optional-claiming win on Widener turf; exits her lowest Beyer since September, '12 when racing off a 47-day layoff and racing back on today's BEL-Inner Turf; was edged by the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 76 in her next-out SAR-optional-claiming win.

Jitney

Last BEL Inner Turf start was more than 1 year ago when unable to handle Double the Energy who's also had her number in recent losses; just has not shown anything close to her 3-back career-best SAR Beyer; off recent form will be siding with others.

Saichi Sweepin

Sire is 23-for-342 with 1st-turf starters; dam was unraced; 3 foals to race on grass went 0-for-5 combined; super-win record on the main track with a bullet BEL-dirt workout for this; win rider from last sides with Desert Bliss; her 1-for-15 first-turf trainer since 2012 is a major concern but would be a dangerous factor if this is moved to the main track.

Shush Up

This is likely easier than Thursday's BEL 3rd listed at 20-1 morning-line odds in a 100K stakes at 7F on Widener turf; exits a career-best Beyer when sent much longer in her 2nd green off-the-board finish; owns all 3 wins on synthetic; the 3-back winner and show finishers Beyered 79-77 in next-out LRL-MTH optional-claiming wins.

Desert Bliss

Rakin' Gold and Ave's Halo both had her number on BELs Inner Turf the last 2 times racing on today's surface; listed at 12-1 morning-line odds Thursday in BEL's 10th race an optional claimer at 7F on the Widener-turf course; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher a next-out 81 Beyer BEL alw. winner.

Neck of the Moon

Lots of upside with just 4 starts; owns a career-improving Beyer pattern with a positive 2-pound weight swing off the under 2-length loss to Double the Energy; the 3-back winner repeated in a SAR-optional claimer with a 90 Beyer; the worktab for this does not bowl you over but races for a 32%-winning fresh barn and BEL-33%-jockey-trainer combo.

Courageous Karen

Saved best Beyer for last when pressing the pace before fading; graduated over today's turf course at the distance but overall her Beyers are very light when compared to the others; reunites with the win rider seeking the right level; seems overmatched while sure to lose ground breaking widest.

La Verdad

Speedy Main Track Only entry comes off the long layoff for a 10%-winning fresh trainer since 2012; handles anything winning on both fast and wet main tracks; has been working well for a 30%-winning BEL-jockey-trainer combo; plenty of upside with just 3 starts and the last 2 being strong improvements.

What the Frost

Owns her best Beyers on BEL dirt; MTO removed the front wraps 4 races ago right after the trainer change winning twice while showing versatility scoring from both on the lead and off the pace; was no match for She's Stones Sis who also on the MTO list today.

Ah Gaga

MTO's even finish in last suggests she may want more distance than 6F to see very-best form; reunites with the win rider who put her right on the lead in the July score; a June-mud winner over the runner-up finisher who Beyered 52 in a next-out BEL-MSW win.

She's Stones Sis

MTO has not run a bad race since her Mile dud in April; has to get by Saichi Sweepin who she could not catch in last; the 3-back winner repeated in a SAR-optional claimer with a 75 Beyer; she beat the show runner that day a next-out 70 speed figure SAR-optional claiming winner. By Art Gropper

Race 5

Bourbon Sense

Finished midpack in his maiden voyage but latest half-mile breeze suggests he can upgrade on the stretchout; his sire won the Kentucky Derby and 4.38 million; the dam won 2 of 7 starts and 92K; this is her only foal to compete.

Away Game

Showed little in the unveiling over the slop a month ago; his sire won the Belmont Stakes and 3.24 million in total; the dam won 3 of 13 and 163K; sib to G3 victor Wilkinson who banked 464K; can upgrade over expected fast surface.

Mischieviously

Added distance today should work in his favor following a solid sprint rally last month; his sire won a G1 and 616K while the dam involved was unraced; winning siblings include 1.12 million earner Gone Astray.

Wicked Strong

Fared much better than Away Game in the same affair; his sire won the G1 King's Bishop and 2.67 million and 2.67 million overall; the dam won 1 of 12 and 20K; among the winning siblings is 60K earner Abbey Street.

Justin Nguyen

Faces nemesis Endowment Manager again and will have to get into gear sooner here; has run against the grain of the track some of those efforts yet will offer generous betting value today; consider on that basis.

Tap to the Street

Newcomer hails from multiple G1 victor Street Cry who amassed 5.15 million (his offspring have scored in 27 out of 314 debuts); the dam was a G1 winner who notched 1.05 million; sib to multiple G2 victor Fly Down, winner of 1.25 million.

Goodnewsisnonews

Some upbeat workouts for this son of Giant's Causeway who won multiple G1s and 3.07 million; his progeny have scored in nearly 11 percent of their first races; the dam went zero for 3 lifetime; there are no winning siblings to highlight.

Cool Samurai

Beginner has been breezing steadily for this first run; his sire won multiple G1s and 915K; descendants of First Samurai have scored in 15 out of 165 debuts; the dam was zero for 6; there are no winning siblings to mention.

Endowment Manager

Held on strong when extending to seven-eighths last month; his sire won multiple G2s and 1.13 million while the dam was without a victory in 6 attempts; winning siblings include 271K earner New Yawker; may be challenged early today.

Tourist

Commendable first run when racing evenly behind the previous runner; his sire twice won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 6.42 million; the dam won 3 of 15 and 64K; among the winning siblings is 170K earner Michael With Us.

Monopolist

Near perfect intervals to the workout regimen with a focus on the professional gate breeze on 10/14; see Goodnewsisnonews, above, for same sire information; the dam lost her only race; this is her only foal to compete; playable. By Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Therapy

Filly has some positional foot that should help her with the move to the fence in a field that doesn't contain a lot of early lick; she hasn't had much luck over the local course, but maybe she's able to bounce back with an improved try if able to make the lead from here; trip may be a little longer than she really wants, but she's one to consider.

Ideal Place

Late runner ran out of racetrack after encountering some trouble while making her first start off the hot barn's claim; she'll get an added panel today which should aid her run, but moves inside which could again cause her some problems if she gets off to a slow start and isn't as if she's run her best in either of her tries at this trip.

Hlao Roo

Four year old hasn't hit the board in a while and her last over the local sod when finishing behind some of these wasn't very much; maybe the stretch back out helps and she does get a switch to a top pilot, but prefer to side with others on the win end in here.

Joy Seeker

Took all the money while trying winners for the initial time off the sharp upstate maiden score first time on the lawn, but didn't have enough from that tracking spot; maybe the turn back helps and she does appear to be quick enough to sit a good spot off the pacesetters early for a barn that does well both fresh and with those shortening up; contender.

Run to Mama

First part of the entry tries winners for the first time after upsetting maidens at the trip in her return to the lawn; filly did earn a number that puts her in the mix here, but she'd appreciate some pace and could again be subect to a wide run or traffic issues.

Image of Noon

Runner up in 3 straight enters this fresh after failing to hold on to her late lead against fellow sophomore stakes runners over a heavy upstate course; she'll move back in with older in this spot, but she's run well fresh off a break in the past and she did break her maiden over the local sod; giving her the nod to return running and beat them home.

Silver Silence

Just missed on the rise to this level when turned back to sprint in her local return; she did break her maiden here in the spring and the added panel should help; getting off the fence could also benefit this late runner, but she'll probably need to move forward some to contend and racing luck could play a big part.

Scribbling Sarah

Gets off the rail while tackling an added panel after coming on too late in her second crack at the level a couple of weeks back; filly has given a good account of herself in each of her starts and her numbers fit, but unless things break her way a minor award looks to be her ceiling.

Ascended Fever

Just missed as the chalk against conditioned claimers in his first start off this barn's buy; 2 time local course winner will move in to face statebreds in here and he'll get a weight break with the switch to a capable bug; she's danced in plenty already this year, but in her current form she must be considered.

Kimmies Lucky Star

Came rolling on late to get second money at a shorter trip first time on the lawn; running style could cause her some issues in this big field but she also has a right to be better second time over the footing and the price should again be right.

Rebellious Chic

Wasn't beaten much in her first start back from a year and a half on the shelf and now she'll return in less than a month; mare was better going long last year and maybe this longer trip helps her settle a bit more early from here, but have to think she takes a step back second off the layoff.

My Uptown Gal

Draws outside for the slight stretchout after coming up empty behind some of these earlier in the month; her prior try upstate at the level was pretty good and she did break her maiden over the course in the spring; price should be right.

Mighty Reward

AE steps up to face statebreds after running down conditioned claimers at a shorter trip last time; maybe the added panel helps, but she returns just a few weeks off a career best number and may not be set to get back to it if she draws in here.

Porvoo

AE looks to makes her first start off the claim by an outfit that has yet to saddle a winner this year; gray was ok going long in Jersey earlier in the season and wasn't beaten much at a shorter local sprint trip 2 starts back, but looks to have her work cut out for her if she draws in here.

All Mine Tonight

Other half of the coupling goes MTO after getting up for second money at the level in her local return; she'll go from the fence to the outside slot if the rains come and maybe that helps, but she didn't do much the lone time she stepped on a wet track; still, she's been solid at the level of the late and can contend if she goes. By Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Candyman E

Note this stakes winner cashed in a second off the layoff run early this year; he could have just been overmatched last time and the winner 8/12 repeated repeated in the Grade 1 Forego with a 104 Beyer; okay, it was ages ago, but he did win from the Philly rail in 2011; respect.

Don Tito

Pro basically flattered Ravalo with the win last time; stakes placed out West and proven in this league in the 2012 closer; he has put wins together in his career and they came in stakes in 2009; not impossible task.

Slan Abhaile

Colt has been very consistent and his only poor effort came on the grass; the show horse in the last win cashed next out in an N1X at CD with an 85 Beyer; love the series of drills since the last effort including the best of 35 bullet last Sunday; contention goes deep.

Fiddlers Afleet

He's been on a stakes diet most of the year but can't be thrilled with the regression last time; runner has some semblance of speed but can't see him clearing here; needs a rebound run.

Ravalo

Any horse that can win 18 of 55 is a friend of mine; senior citizen still seems to want to compete and he has some back class to boast with a couple of wins in $200K stakes; note show horse in last was 7 clear; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Hannibal Lecter

He is giving away a lot of winning experience and that could come to the fore at crunch time; he basically got good for about a month against small fields; trainer has been loaded for bear this meet but this guy will need to hurry.

Kingsford Drive

Hot claim box item freaked in the mud last time but maybe some didn't care for the going; gelding obviously likes this surface and he has won his share; show horse in last took a $20K optional next out and the 6th finisher took a $16K optional; off a career best Beyer today and after the previous best Beyer performance, this guy ran 8th.

Isthmus

Being off for over a year is the first red flag that raises its ugly head; no luck since leaving the Maker barn but the blowout on Tuesday could have him on his toes; would still be careful here.

Congressional Page

Nearly 5 clear in last and if you figure he needed last, you can make a case he will move forward; proven in this league on the synthetic, he can be placed anywhere and still perform; slight improvement and he'll be in the mix.

The Truth and K G

Freshened since the all-out victory and the horse he beat a nose returned next out to cash in a $25K optional, then won a $103K stakes at Indiana; repeatedly proven fresh, he was Grade 3 placed this year when hooked wide; cleverly named runner looks live and Brooklyn Nets fans have a vehicle.

Readytodefer

Trainer tinkers with blinkers after the two dull efforts; solid try three back and the winner that day won 4 straight since including a $98K stakes at SAR; one angle to think about: he did rebound from a horrible try in March of last year and then just missed by a neck.

Capetown Devil

Gelding may need slightly softer; like the fact he has natural speed but can sit off the pace and still cash; he has a penchant for finding the wire and he has won in return spots before; another threat in a good betting race.

Readthebyline

Proven in open company and he ran huge in the Shipman last time in defeat; place horse in last took a $100K optional next out and the 5th finisher took a $35K optional; beaten nearly 12 in the last sprint try, he has trained steadily for this including the blowout on Tuesday; look for him late if at all. By Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Forty Tales

3-year-old didn't have any obvious excuses when he finished fourth in his first try with older horses in the Grade 1 Vosburgh but he is reunited with Rosario who was aboard for three straight wins; he's a Grade 2 winner going this far so he should appreciate the added distance; not sure the shape of the race is going to work in his favor, though; can see him picking up a slice but that's about it.

Big Screen

He ran a big race the only time he tried this distance in the Jaipur but he was allowed to set moderate fractions and he doesn't appear to be quick enough to clear in this spot; nice win in his latest in the $100K Who's to Pay and Albertrani has strong turf to dirt stats; this guy figures to move forward in his second start back but he has come up empty every time he's faced Graded company; consider for the exotics.

Saturday's Charm

He has a solid record at the distance and the horse that won his race two back finished a close fourth in the Grade 2 Kelso won by Graydar Sept. 28; horse that easily beat him in his latest at Laurel won a $50K stakes at Charles Town in his next start; only time he ran in a Grade 3 he almost won the Tom Fool; others look more attractive, however.

Politicallycorrect

He isn't the most consistent horse around but we're willing to toss his race in the Grade 3 Longacres Mile and focus on his solid effort in the Grade 3 James Marvin at Saratoga two back where he earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure going 7 furlongs; he's fired fresh in the past and it's encouraging to see Castellano accept the mount; he also has decent tactical speed and should get a nice trip from a stalking position; contender.

Clearly Now

3-year-old is a Grade 3 winner at the distance but he will be tackling older horses for the first time; blinkers go on and the past five years Lynch has a 6% strike rate with horses wearing shades the first time; can see him moving forward in his second start back but that wasn't the toughest field he faced in his latest at Parx and he'll need to improve to contend here.

Strapping Groom

He didn't look very comfortable being inside while trying to stalk Private Zone in the Vosburgh and he still ran a decent race to finish third; he gets a better post today and he'll either be the one they are chasing or be sitting just off what should be a moderate pace; he was probably aided by the wet conditions in the Grade 1 Forego but it was a powerful performance and he's also ran well on this track when it was dry; the pick. By Randy Goulding

Race 9

Fantasy of Flight

Has never raced this far while her 1st start with blinkers on was her lowest Beyer speed figure since April; 64 days since latest dull fade on SAR dirt and will remove the hood for this seeking a huge bounce-back effott; 1st-time in the Pletcher barn while reuniting with Johnny V the rider of her April, 2012, KEE-synthetic win; view as a pace presence for part.

Street Secret

Positive 2-pound weight swing off the more than 1-length loss vs. Roman Invader as the beaten-heavy betting choice; scored her career-best Beyer 2-back on a sloppy race track chasing the winner who repeated in a CD-111K event with a 90 speed figure; a wet oval surely moves her up a few pegs.

Lady Cohiba

54 days since winning gate-to-wire in the mud; has to get by Street Secret off the 2-back loss with a negative 5-pound weight swing from that event for this; fires very well fresh noting the Auust stakes win and a stakes-placed effort on BEL-fast dirt; the worktab for this does not bowl you over.

Stanwyck

Won her only dirt start which was 1 year and 1 day ago; 87 days idle since her lowest Beyer since July, 2012; the 2-back winner repeated in a SAR-100K event with an 88 speed figure; the 3-back winner scored right back in an SA-76K event with a 92 Beyer; have mixed reviews from the worktab so will be taking a wait and see approach.

Moon Philly

Loves wet tracks which why her 3-back loss to Street Secret and Lady Cohiba stand out on her form; her only BEL dirt race was a last-place fade vs. Roman Invader; loved the sloppy footing out of town but has much to prove returning back to New York for another class test.

Centring

Been way off best form since the May-Grade 1 show finish at today's distance which is a field-best Beyer when chasing the runner-up finisher who Beyered in 97 a next-out SAR-Grade 3 win; reunites with the win rider for this scoring on BEL wet dirt over the runner-up finisher who Beyered 81 in a next-out BEL-optional-claiming win; the addition of blinkers for the 1st time in last did not produce the desired results.

Royal Lahaina

3-1 morning-line odds Friday in a BEL-100K 7F turf event; fires strongly fresh; a 62-day absence for this after stakes-placed at today's distance on MTH dirt; is doing the rain dance as her career-best Beyer was a BEL-sloppy track fresh victory off a 48-day layoff; the worktab for this was not very eye catching; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 95 in a next-out SAR-100K stakes win.

Roman Invader

4-1 morning-line odds Friday in a BEL-100K 7F turf event; the way she ran in latest perhaps a big cutback in distance is in order however the 2-back upset win over BEL dirt occurred at today's distance; showed up with front wraps on for the 1st time ever then posted her lowest Beyer since April, 2011, when outrun in an OP Mile; the 3-back winner repeated in a LRL-82K event with an 88 speed figure. By Art Gropper

Race 10

Madam I'm Adam

This is a barn and rider that win a lot of races together and this outfit has had a strong meeting; looking at this as being a decent spot for this gelding to land in and perhaps he'll be ready for a sharp performance while being returned to action on short rest.

Sun Worshipper

Sunriver rates poor as a turf sire, but this gelding has shown enough in his three most recent starts over turf with the addition of Lasix to be taken seriously in this spot; to third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 10/19 going 6f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 70 Beyer.

Suilleabhain

He's one of three multiple winners signed on in the main body of this race and he's been known to produce a performance that is strong enough to make him a threat against competition of this caliber; note that two of his three wins have been earned over the Belmont Park turf.

Hooked Forever

Hook and Ladder is another poor turf sire being represented in here, but this gelding is another signed on in this spot who seems to be capable of being competitive at this level of competition on his best day; that said, others entice more.

Precious Metal

Like the idea of this five-time winner moving back in with New York-bred competition and he looks like he can prove to be a player in this spot whether this race is run over turf or the main track; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 10/13 going 7f over turf vs. 16k claimers with a 79 Beyer.

Sunlover

This barn has been live at this meeting from a relatively limited number of starters and Lezcano has been a go-to rider for them; obviously his two most recent races haven't been his best, but you only have to go three starts back to find a performance that would make him tough to deal with in this spot.

Roaring Conquest

Tough to ignore his 1-for-29 career mark, and he's winless in his last 19 starts going back through 2012; respect the fact that he's going out for a barn that has performed well at this meeting, but he's probably going to need to see this race completely fall apart up front to land a solid share of the prize.

Bizarroworld

It certainly looks like he can prove to be the dominant early speed in this race and he has run some nice races since being placed over turf five starts ago; viewing him as a top contender, but it is fair to wonder if today's seven-furlong distance is a bit more than he's looking for.

Carson Bandit

He's been in good form since being returned from a layoff in early July and it doesn't hurt to see that he's run well over this turf course and at today's distance; he might find himself sitting just off of the early speed of Bizarroworld, and if the distance gets to that one, this runner figures to be in perfect position to take advantage.

Cincinnati Kid

Obviously the long layoff has to be viewed as a concern with this 7-year-old, but he has put together some decent performances racing over turf in his career; prefer to give him a race and keep an eye on him to try to figure out what he might be capable of the next time around.

Countknickerbocker

He's another in here who might be more effective at distances shorter than today seven-furlong assignment, but he's been a pretty consistent performer, and not willing to count him out of a spot underneath in the exotics.

Slimshady

He deserves some credit for the way that he was able to outrun his odds two races back, but he has been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his two most recent races, and he's going to need to do better if he's to get the job done in this spot.

Gimme Credit

15-winner has earned three victories as a 10-year-old, and this multiple stakes winner is worth keeping an eye out for in the event that a scratch from the main body of this race gets him in; the presence of Castellano helps add further appeal.

Charlie's Punch

This doesn't look like it would be a bad spot for this gelding to land in if this race has to be taken off the turf but he'll probably have to see a couple of key scratches to have a chance at something more than a minor award.

Be Bullish

Multiple stakes winner will find himself in an ideal spot if this race gets moved to the main track and his new connections are probably begging for this race to come off the turf after claiming him for 25k from his latest outing; the price won't entice, but he's clearly the one to beat.

Meeker Avenue

Relatively lightly raced 3-year-old earned a stakes victory at second asking as a 2-year-old, but he's only shown up with one decent performance in six starts since that stakes win; feel that a minor award is within his reach, but looking toward others for the top spot. By Brian Pochman