Presque Isle Mile attracts diverse cast of 14

Presque Isle Downs runs its two biggest races of the season Sunday and Monday, with the $200,000 Presque Isle Mile leading to the Grade 2 Masters.

The Mile, run over Presque Isle’s Tapeta synthetic surface, has a full field of 14, including a Murray Rojas-trained entry. The mixed-bag group of entrants includes a locally based contingent and others shipping in from various eastern locales, Kentucky, Florida, and even Britain.

Presque Isle Mile (Race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Mezzano (Lasts 3 Beyers: 94-94-91)

◗ At 5, he is still seeking his first stakes victory, but two recent outings at Parx, a fourth-level optional-claiming win and a second in the Donald LeVine Memorial, show he is at the top of his game. Falling Sky, the winner of the LeVine, came back to finish third in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga.

◗ While overmatched last out in the Grade 3 Belmont Sprint against Clearly Now and Palace, he fits well here from a class perspective, and the mile distance is within his range.

◗ This is his second try in the Presque Isle Mile for trainer Alan Goldberg. He finished eighth last year.

Admiral Perry (Last 3 Beyers: 89-72-88)

◗ Won a local prep for this last time out by rallying from off the pace to take a six-furlong optional-claiming race for Shug McGaughey. The win was his first in 16 starts dating back to July 2012. Still, he did it nicely and should show more speed at this longer distance. Now 6, he has 4 wins, 7 seconds, and 3 thirds from 27 starts.

Developer (Last 3 Beyers: 83-82-83)

◗ Has a 3-2-1-0 record at Presque Isle this meet for trainer Arnaud Delacour. Overall, his synthetic record is 5-3-2-0.

◗ Adds blinkers for this despite winning his last race, a second-level allowance.

◗ DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Delacour is 5 for 21 (12 percent), with a return on investment of $2.59, when adding blinkers to a horse’s equipment over the last five years.

Joha (Last 3 Beyers: 80-91-86)

◗ 1 for 14 since winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland in 2012. Will be making his first start for trainer Mike Maker since his 2-year-old season in 2012.

◗ Ran well to finish a closing fourth for trainer Joshua Flores in the Grade 3 Hanshin Cup at Arlington Park in May.

Viva Lad (Last 3 Beyers: 88-60-84)

◗ Began the Presque Isle meet as an 0-for-8 maiden but is now 4 for 4 during the current season and 5-4-1-0 overall for trainer Michael Trombetta.

Horsted Keynes

◗ Will make his North American debut for trainer Graham Motion after finishing fifth in the Group 3 Supreme Stakes at Goodwood two weeks ago. Has a 5-3-1-1 record on synthetic surfaces.

Decisive Moment (Last 3 Beyers: 82-91-89)

◗ Florida shipper’s record is similar to that of Admiral Perry in that he has 4 wins and 7 seconds from 33 starts, but he has earned a whopping $788,000 for trainer Juan Arias. His biggest wins came in 2011 in the $250,000 Jean Lafitte and the $125,000 Delta Downs Mile.