'Broadway' seeks four in a row

NEW ORLEANS - Was it the slop, or has Truelyonbroadway become that good of a horse? He comes back 18 days after an authoritative romp, looking to score again in Thursday's feature race, a $42,000 third-level optional claimer going six furlongs on the dirt.

Truelyonbroadway comes into the race having won three straight, improving with each race. His last race, Nov. 25, was huge. He closed from six lengths off to win by 5 1/4 lengths in a second-level allowance on a sloppy course at Fair Grounds.

If he runs back to that race or continues to improve, the race will be his to lose.

"He's coming back quickly off what was a big race," trainer Tom Amoss said. "Is he completely recovered from that one? Is this forward move something that is going to become part of his pattern? Was it the conditions of the last race?"

These are the questions Truelyonbroadway will begin to answer in Thursday's 10th race.

Truelyonbroadway had fast fractions up front last time. This time it looks to be Mr. Nightlinger and Jimmy's Boy going early, a scenario that suits Amoss just fine.

"Look for us to be positioned similarly to where we were," Amoss said. "He'll be a favorite. People will be betting not just on the last race but also on the continuing improvement."

He might get a little help from the weather, with thunderstorms a possibility Thursday.

Should the rain hold off, those believing he needs an off track or more of a rest will likely turn to Demarcation. In his last race, Demarcation went five wide while finishing second by 1 3/4 lengths in an optional claiming race at Churchill. He has two wins and a place in three starts at this distance.

The other closer in the sprint is likely to be Rogue Scholar, who is returning from a layoff. He has shown ability at the distance, but he has been off since July and has made the winner's circle only once in his last 10 races.

Truelyonbroadway's barnmate, Reverential, looms as a possible longshot. He comes back 12 days after his last race at the same allowance level. Reverential finished fifth, beaten only 1 3/4 lengths on the Fair Grounds turf course. He needed that race, but could be ready to fire.