Litfin's review: Wind makes another appearance

The main track played right around par, with a mix of winning running styles from inside and outside paths in six one-turn races. The biggest factor, as on the previous day, was a stiff headwind late on the backstretch and into the far turn that slowed down early fractions, the fastest half-mile split being 47.15 seconds.

After three pace-pressing winners on turf Wednesday, things seemed to even out during the second day with the rails at 18 feet. Deep closers Al’s Gal (fifth, $20.80) and Tizallheart ($6.80) rallied from next to last in maiden races. Lubash (seventh, $6.80) raced up close throughout and gamely repelled a wide Kharafa in a high-end optional claimer that could propel both into the May 31 Kingston at Belmont Park. Lubash, who earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure for his 7-year-old debut, was the second winner on the card for Junior Alvarado, who earlier was aboard Very Cherry Candy (fourth, $8.10) for his first win since being sidelined by a broken ankle last December.

Other than Alvarado and the Ortiz brothers, who each took one race, the day belonged to apprentice riders. Taylor Rice posted a double with The Iron Furnace (first, $4.80) for her aunt Linda Rice and the aforementioned Tizallheart for Richard Metevier. Andre Worrie rode Jealous (second, $5.80) for Ricardo Legall. Larry Mejias was up on Risk Management (sixth, $18.00), who made his first start since Feb. 17 and first as a gelding for Gary Sciacca.

Horses to Watch

ACADEMYPERFORMANCE
Trainer: Yvon Belsoeur
Last race: April 24, fifth
Finish: fourth by three lengths
Beyer: 65

The 3-year-old Shakespeare filly improved sharply with the switch to turf second time out and removed front bandages, as well, while racing in contention toward the inside to deep stretch.