Storm Play takes steep drop

Storm Play, a lightly raced 5-year-old who was beaten less than two lengths in his turf debut against Grade 3 competition earlier this season, appears to hold a class edge when he drops to face Virginia-breds in the $50,000 Daniel Van Clief Stakes at Colonial Downs.

The 1/16-mile turf race drew a field of eight older horses.

From the high-percentage barn of Todd Pletcher, Storm Play led until deep stretch of the Grade 3 Appleton at Gulfstream Park in March. He wound up fourth but was beaten just 1 3/4 lengths and followed with another competitive effort in the Grade 3 Fort Marcy at Belmont.

Frisky Thunder, no worse than second in 7 of 9 starts on Colonial's turf, merits respect after back-to-back close finishes in stakes earlier at the meet.