Majestic Affair, A. P. Indian hard to separate in Donald LeVine Memorial
The $100,000 Donald LeVine Memorial at Parx Racing matches Majestic Affair and A. P. Indian, who both appear to be sitting on big efforts coming into Saturday’s seven-furlong sprint.
Majestic Affair, trained by Chad Brown, will be dropping in class and turning back in distance. In his most recent start, the Grade 2 Alysheba at Churchill Downs, he raced just off the pace in the 1 1/16-mile race, bid for the lead between horses nearing the stretch, and then flattened out late to finish third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths. The cutback to one turn and seven furlongs seems perfect.
Last year, A. P. Indian put together back-to-back wins in the Decathlon Stakes at Monmouth Park and the LeVine. He repeated in the Decathlon on May 14, when the stewards disqualified Delta Bluesman and placed him first.
A. P. Indian was put in tight quarters on the backstretch of the Decathlon by Delta Bluesman and bumped with Seeking the Sherif. He then steadied behind Delta Bluesman on the far turn before rallying in the stretch to be second-best, beaten a length by Delta Bluesman.
Trainer Arnaud Delacour has put three sharp works into A. P. Indian at the Fair Hill Training Center since the Decathlon, and the horse looks well prepared for the LeVine.
LeVine Memorial, Race 6
Key contenders
Majestic Affair, by Majesticperfection
Last 3 Beyers: 98-81-101
◗ Although Majestic Affair has been successful at both six furlongs and 1 1/16 miles, seven furlongs may be his optimal distance. He has a 5-2-1-0 record at seven furlongs and came up a head short of beating Page McKenney in the Grade 3 General George at Laurel Park in February.
◗ Majestic Affair drew the rail in the six-horse field and figures to track the early pace. He may need to find a way to get outside.
A. P. Indian, by Indian Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 99-92-86
◗ A 6-year-old who has made 12 starts, he had his share of infirmities last year and was given the winter off. He ran very well in the Decathlon, and it is possible we still may not have seen his best race.
Roxbury N Overton, by Andiron
Last 3 Beyers: 91-96-87
◗ A Pennsylvania-bred 4-year-old, he has developed into a very consistent runner for trainer Ramon Preciado and comes into this off four consecutive victories over easier competition. He has good speed and is likely to challenge A. P. Indian for the early lead.
Any Court Inastorm, by Successful Appeal
Last 3 Beyers: 92-90-83
◗ Trained in Maryland by Jason Egan, he was sluggish from the gate in the Decathlon, finished third, and was placed second. He has a good late kick and could be the one to benefit if the pace melts down.