Litfin's preview: Constitution loses a few rivals
Constitution, who won his first three starts, including a first-level allowance over Tonalist and the Grade 1 Florida Derby, makes his first start back from a hairline fracture that knocked him off the Triple Crown trail. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Constitution runs in race 8, an $85,000 optional claimer with third-level allowance conditions.
Constitution, who will be meeting older horses for the first time in the 1 1/16-mile race, had his task made easier when Dawly, Don Dulce and Praetereo ran in an off-the-turf race on Saturday. That will leave only five opponents pending any additional late scratches, with Spa City Fever likely the one to catch in his 51st start.
Easter Gift, third in the Grade 1 Clark last fall but off form in two starts over the summer, looks to rebound for Chad Brown after some encouraging recent workouts over the main track.
CLEMENT TRIO HEADS ATHENIA
Annecdote, Cushion and Maximova give Christophe Clement three chances in the Athenia, scheduled for 1 1/16 miles over an inner turf course that received a soaking Friday night and early Saturday.
Annecdote unleashed an impressive stretch run to win the Noble Damsel on firm ground in her U.S. debut, but she must pick up five pounds while drawn on the outside.
Julie’s Love was third behind Annecdote and Byrama in the Noble Damsel, and she could be set up to the turn tables in her second start back from a layoff for Graham Motion.
Byrama was loose on the lead in the Noble Damsel, but figures to get more early pressure in this match-up from new faces It’s My Time, La Tia and Nashly’s Vow, who all emerge from pacesetting efforts out of town.
HORSES TO WATCH
DOWSE’S BEACH
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Last race: Oct. 10, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 5
Beyer: 82
Consistent sort chased Asset Inflation’s moderate opening fractions and held stubbornly to nearly save the place against stakes winner Strong Impact in a second-level optional-claiming sprint on the Widener turf. Ran okay stretching out at Aqueduct last fall.