Gierkink’s preview: Speed rules in lone stakes

Speed should be at a premium in the lone stakes of the weekend, the Grade 3 Whimsical, unless Youcan’tcatchme is rated off the rapid Goldstryke Glory, who drew the rail in the six-horse field.

The six-furlong dash could set up for a closer such as Spring in the Air or Mekong Delta, who’s an appealing 15-1 on the morning line.

All of them are returning from a winter vacation in Florida, with the exception of Youcan’tcatchme, who stayed in Ontario and recently garnered 2013 Canadian champion female sprinter honors. Expect her to need one before getting back into the swing of things.

The two American shippers in the Whimsical don’t appear to have much of a chance. Sounds of the City has been idle since tailing off in September and is winless going three-quarters, although she can fire while fresh. Purely Hot, who was supplemented for $3,000, could only manage third as the favorite in a recent $7,500 starter allowance at Keeneland.

Executive Shopper should be prominent in the seventh race, which concludes the early pick 4 and begins the late pick 4. He raced three-wide on the turn during a four-way pace battle in his season opener, before grudgingly giving way to the favored Skyrish. Executive Shopper’s trainer, Sam DiPasquale, registered his first two victories of the meet Friday.

The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover for Saturday’s 10th race is $30,313.