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SHADWELL TURF MILE S. (G1), 8TH-KEE, $600,000, 3YO/UP, 1MT, 4:55 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SHAKIS (IRE) MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P BEJARANO R 126
2 KINGSHIP DICKEY CHARLES L VELASQUEZ CORNE 126
3 THORN SONG ROMANS DALE ALBARADO R J 126
4 ELUSIVE FORT (SAF) MALEK RAJA DOUGLAS R R 126
5 LORD ADMIRAL O'BRIEN CHARLES THERIOT H J II 126
6 WAR MONGER MOTT WILLIAM I DESORMEAUX K J 126
7 BUFFALO MAN GAMBOLATI CAM MARQUEZ C H JR 126
8 LOVELACE (GB) JOHNSTON MARK FFRENCH R L 126
9 SOCIETY'S CHAIRMAN ATTFIELD ROGER JONES JONO 126
10 FRENCH BERET FROSTAD MARK LEPAROUX JULIEN 126
11 KARELIAN ARNOLD GEORGE R II MENA M 126
12 RAHY'S ATTORNEY BLACK IAN CALLAGHAN S 126
13 MUSEEB MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P BEJARANO R 126

An overflow field of 13 has been entered in Saturday's $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland, and several of these are in with a shot. To help narrow it down, we'll flash back to the April 11 Maker's Mark Mile (G1) at this course and distance, where the pacesetting THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) finished a commendable third to Kip Deville (Kipling) and Einstein (Brz) (Spend a Buck). There are no Kip Devilles or Einsteins in this evenly matched group, so we'll tab Thorn Song for the victory.

The Dale Romans charge excels at a mile (3-2-0-1), and the last time he raced over the trip, he pulled a front-running upset of Einstein in the Firecracker H. (G2) at Churchill Downs. Since then, the gray has faltered going longer at Saratoga, but not badly. Third to subsequent Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship S. (G1) hero Red Giant (Giant's Causeway) in the 1 1/16-mile Fourstardave H. (G2), Thorn Song was a game fourth in the 1 1/8-mile Bernard Baruch H. (G2) to SHAKIS (Ire) (Machiavellian) and WAR MONGER (War Chant). Back to a flat mile here, the five-year-old looks primed to turn the tables beneath Robby Albarado.

RAHY'S ATTORNEY (Crown Attorney) ran a terrific race to capture the Woodbine Mile (Can-G1) in his latest, defeating the top filly Ventura (Chester House) and the disappointing fifth-placer Kip Deville. The gelding showcased his useful tactical speed, making an early move to take command and finding plenty when challenged in the stretch. We're concerned by the fact that he's stuck on the far outside in post 12, especially considering that he's making his first start away from the wide, sweeping contours of Woodbine. If he doesn't lose too much ground, and copes with a very different type of course, the Ian Black trainee is good enough to impose his authority here. Slade Callaghan ventures south to stay aboard.

LOVELACE (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) is an intriguing shipper dispatched by English-based trainer Mark Johnston. While some way below Europe's best, the bay colt beat a solid field in the Oettingen-Rennen (Ger-G2) two starts back, and he has done well in the ultra-competitive, higher-end handicaps in England. Lovelace will be facing a much sharper, and firmer, course, but Johnston does not send his horses abroad idly, and other progeny of Royal Applause have thrived in America (Whatsthescript [Ire] and Ticker Tape [GB]), for instance). It's also a positive sign that Royston Ffrench flies in for the mount. The four-year-old has upset potential at an alluring 12-1.

War Monger has not fulfilled his early-season promise, when he looked so good in taking the Sunshine Millions Turf, but his strong runner-up effort in the Bernard Baruch hints that he is going the right way at present for Bill Mott. We're a bit put off by his only prior race at Keeneland in the Maker's Mark, when he dropped back abruptly and wound up last. Something was likely amiss, since he did not return for nearly four months, and he's eligible to break through at last. We're cautiously optimistic rather than bullish.

Shakis warrants respect as a two-time hero of the Bernard Baruch, which is no mean accomplishment, and he was most recently a good third to Big Brown (Boundary) in the Monmouth S. on unsuitably rain-soaked turf. On the other hand, the Kiaran McLaughlin veteran has not put his best forward at Keeneland, finishing a non-threatening third in this race last year, and sixth in the aforementioned Maker's Mark. The eight-year-old likely wants more ground too, and he smacks of a vulnerable 7-2 morning-line favorite. Worth using in the exotics, he's equally worth taking a stand against on top.

KARELIAN (Bertrando) returned from an 11-month absence to take the Sea o' Erin H. last time out for Rusty Arnold, and he boasts a sterling 5-4-1-0 mark going one mile. The lightly raced six-year-old is an unknown quantity at this level, but he figures to be forwardly placed early and may stick around for a share late. His 20-1 odds are inviting. The seven-year-old LORD ADMIRAL (El Prado [Ire]) discovered the fountain of youth earlier this campaign in Dubai, capturing the Al Rashidiya (UAE-G3) and Jebel Hatta (UAE-G2), but has not won since going back to Ireland. The Charles O'Brien trainee drops back to a mile after checking in fifth in the 1 1/4-mile Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1) to New Approach (Galileo [Ire]). This is class relief, but there's too much uncertainty for us to endorse at his 6-1 morning-line price.

BUFFALO MAN (El Prado [Ire]) is exiting a victory in the Red Bank S. (G3), and he is capable of a rousing late kick on his day. Still, he has class concerns in this spot. SOCIETY'S CHAIRMAN (Not Impossible [Ire]) was a visually impressive allowance/optional claiming winner here during the spring meet, and he followed up that effort with a second-place performance behind Rahy's Attorney in the Connaught Cup (Can-G3). The Roger Attfield charge was all-out to win an Ontario-bred stakes at Woodbine most recently, however, and would need to take a considerable step forward to factor. Fellow Canadian FRENCH BERET (Broad Brush), third in that Connaught Cup, reverts to a mile after a string of losses going farther. Although he's managed to hit the board in 18 of 29 career outings, it's difficult to promote his chances of doing so here.

We've loved top-class South African performer ELUSIVE FORT (SAf) (Fort Wood) ever since he came to the United States. The dark bay has consistently let us down, however, and we can't envision a startling turnaround. KINGSHIP (King Cugat) stretches back out to a mile after a pair of placed efforts in turf sprints. He had solid form in turf routes as a sophomore in 2006, and the booking of Cornelio Velasquez is a plus, but it would be more prudent to watch for now. The also-eligible MUSEEB (Danzig) looks out of his depth.

1st-THORN SONG
2nd-RAHY'S ATTORNEY
3rd-LOVELACE (GB)

BREEDERS' FUTURITY (G1), 7TH-KEE, $500,000, 2YO, 1 1/16M, 4:22 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 FLASHMANS PAPERS (GB) BEST JOHN R CASTANON J L 121
2 REYNALDOTHEWIZARD HARTY EOIN LEPAROUX JULIEN 121
3 NOTONTHESAMEPAGE WARD WESLEY A GARCIA J A 121
4 HIS GREATNESS SALAZAR MARCO MENA M 121
5 PIONEEROF THE NILE MOTT WILLIAM I DESORMEAUX K J 121
6 MAJESTIC BLUE MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P ALBARADO R J 121
7 ZION ASMUSSEN STEVEN M LANERIE C J 121
8 SQUARE EDDIE BEST JOHN R BEJARANO R 121
9 TERRAIN STALL ALBERT M JR THERIOT H J II 121
10 DEPOSER (IRE) BEST JOHN R VELASQUEZ CORNE 121
11 ADVICE PLETCHER TODD A DOUGLAS R R 121

Saturday's $500,000 Breeders' Futurity S. (G1) appears very contentious, and a couple of top contenders are stuck in outside posts. We'll look to the inside and tab REYNALDOTHEWIZARD (Speightstown) for top honors from post 2.

Trained by Eoin Harty, Reynaldothewizard stormed to an excellent victory when making his career debut at Churchill Downs in July, blowing past the leaders in midstretch en route to a 4 3/4-length decision, and was favored in the Saratoga Special (G2) last time off that win. However, the bay colt missed the break, leaping into the air when the gates opened, and then had the misfortune of being steadied in traffic when launching his move at the half-mile mark. The Kentucky-bred still managed to re-rally for a respectable third that afternoon, and we'll anticipate a much-improved showing on Saturday. He's got plenty of experience training over Polytrack, recording several nice works over the Greenwood Training Track in Saratoga, and we feel he's the most talented two-year-old in the field.

TERRAIN (Sky Mesa) suffered a tough trip in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) and wound up being elevated from third to first by the stewards. He displayed a fine finishing kick in all three starts, and jockey Jamie Theriot will look to drop him over from post 9 in order to save ground into the first turn on Saturday. The Al Stall Jr. pupil has trained primarily at Keeneland, recording bullet works over the Polytrack, and he looks like a major player from off the pace.

NOTONTHESAMEPAGE (Catienus) will drop in class off a fifth in the Hopeful S. (G1), and the Wesley Ward-trained colt figures to show speed with the addition of blinkers. There isn't much pace in the field, and the probable pacesetter could really slow down the fractions on the front end. The Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey homebred could last a long way with the short stretch in 8 1/2-furlong races at Keeneland, and we give Notonthesamepage a chance at a wire-to-wire upset.

ADVICE (Chapel Royal) drew post 11 -- a terrible starting point in 1 1/16-mile races at Keeneland -- but the Todd Pletcher runner has experience from outside gates, just missing in the Arlington-Washington Futurity last time from post 10. He was disqualified from second to third that afternoon, but the twice-raced colt is eligible to make amends at Keeneland. Advice clearly likes Polytrack, breaking his maiden at first asking by eight lengths at Arlington, and he registered a solid work at Keeneland on Monday in preparation for this start. He's a threat to run big under regular rider Rene Douglas.

PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker) exits a turf maiden special weight score at Saratoga for Bill Mott, and turf form will often transfer to the Polytrack. He didn't earn strong Speed or Late Pace numbers in that win, but the well bred colt owns plenty of room for improvement. He's one to consider for part.

MAJESTIC BLUE (Forestry) didn't appear to beat much when winning at first asking for Kiaran McLaughlin at Saratoga, but he did display a fine finishing kick that could serve him well in his two-turn debut. We're still inclined to watch and see how he performs here, but Majestic Blue is another who could factor into the top three with further improvement.

DEPOSER (Ire) (Kheleyf), FLASHMANS PAPERS (GB) (Exceed and Excel) and SQUARE EDDIE (Smart Strike) will all make their first U.S. appearance after starting their racing career in England, and we give Deposer the best shot at making an impact in the group. He broke his maiden over the Polytrack at Lingfield and owns a couple of starts versus Group rivals, finishing only four lengths back of the winner in the Sirenia S. (Eng-G3) over the Polytrack last time at Kempton Park. Deposer appears to own some tactical speed and is eligible to mount a solid showing under Cornelio Velasquez.

HIS GREATNESS (Honour and Glory) wasn't able to make much of an impact from off the pace in the Arlington-Washington Futurity, and we'll let him beat us in this spot. ZION (Thunder Gulch) also disappointed last time at Arlington, and we'll need to see more from the Steve Asmussen-trained colt before recommending his chances.

1st-REYNALDOTHEWIZARD
2nd-TERRAIN
3rd-NOTONTHESAMEPAGE

CHAMPAGNE S. (G1), 9TH-BEL, $400,000, 2YO, 1M, 5:15 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 BREAK WATER EDISON KIMMEL JOHN C MIGLIORE R 122
2 CRIBNOTE VIOLETTE RICHARD JR MARAGH RAJIV 122
3 VINEYARD HAVEN FRANKEL ROBERT J PRADO E S 122
4 HELLO BROADWAY TAGG BARCLAY COA E M 122
5 GIROLAMO MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P GARCIA A 122
6 A. P. CARDINAL GAMBOLATI CAM HILL C 122
7 VENTANA BAFFERT BOB ESPINOZA V 122
8 BRAVE VICTORY ZITO NICHOLAS P SANCHEZ JEFFREY 122
9 GONE ASTRAY MCGAUGHEY CLAUDE III DOMINGUEZ R A 122
10 MUNNINGS PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 122

Saturday's $400,000 Champagne S. (G1) features a strong field of 10 juveniles, including the top three finishers from the Hopeful S. (G1). VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]) got the better of runner-up CRIBNOTE (Read the Footnotes) and third-placer MUNNINGS (Speightstown) that afternoon, but we'll turn that finish around and select the top three in reverse order on Saturday.

Munnings overcame a poor start to win his career debut on July 26, drawing off to a 4 1/4-length decision while earning a terrific 98 BRIS Speed rating, but gate problems essentially cost him all chance last time when he stumbled and got off to a terrible start in the Hopeful. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt still managed to rally for a respectable third, registering a solid 93 Speed figure, and we believe he'll improve significantly off that performance. The chestnut has worked well at Belmont since then, including a four-furlong breeze in :47 4/5 on Tuesday, and there appears to be plenty of speed in the line-up. We'll look for him to rally from just off the pace for the win.

After recording a scintillating 13 1/2-length score over New York-bred rivals two starts back, Cribnote carried his form forward while stepping up in class in the Hopeful, finishing second by 2 1/4 lengths, and there's reason to believe he'll run even better with blinkers added on Saturday. The Richard Violette pupil advanced into a threatening position before blowing the turn at Saratoga last time, bolting toward the outside rail, and appeared completely out of it a furlong from the finish. However, the chestnut colt straightened course under jockey Rajiv Maragh and re-rallied in deep stretch, passing several rivals to be a clear second. His BRIS Speed and Pace numbers are among the best in the field, and Cribnote is a threat to put it all together with victory.

Vineyard Haven loses Alan Garcia to GIROLAMO (A.P. Indy) off his wire-to-wire win in the Hopeful, and the Bobby Frankel trainee figures to face early pressure from the start. However, we can't discount Vineyard Haven's chances on the front end off his superb score in the Hopeful in which he ripped off fast fractions before drawing off in upper stretch. The gray colt received a 99 Speed rating that day, and the one-turn, one-mile distance should be no problem for him on Saturday. Don't be surprised to see another strong showing.

HELLO BROADWAY (Broken Vow) was a good-looking debut winner last time for Barclay Tagg, and the half-brother to Grade 1 winner Nobiz Like Shobiz ranks first in Prime Power (142.5) based on that performance. We certainly won't be surprised to see him develop into a Grade 1 performer, but Hello Broadway will face an extreme test against a talented group of rivals with more seasoning. He's still eligible to rally for a top three placing, so give him consideration for the exotics.

VENTANA (Toccet) blew past his rivals to win at first asking last time for Bob Baffert, recording a 5 1/2-length decision, and Victor Espinoza will pick up the mount in the colt's first start against winners. The runner-up that afternoon, Prince Charming (Vindication), rolled to a convincing win last Saturday, and Ventana could prove to be any type in the future. We're tempted to give him a race versus stakes rivals, but he does scare us.

GONE ASTRAY (Dixie Union) lacked a rally in the Futurity S. (G2), but that was run over a "good" track that he may not have cared for. The Shug McGaughey runner displayed an excellent turn of foot when breaking his maiden two starts back at Saratoga, and he'll look to make a late run here with new jockey Ramon Dominguez. His Speed figures are a little bit lower than his top rivals, but Gone Astray is another dangerous entrant who could step up in a big way on Saturday.

Girolamo was in position but failed to challenge in the Futurity last time, and we haven't been impressed by his Speed ratings in either start. The Kiaran McLaughlin runner still owns a ton of room for improvement, and he has a terrific pedigree. We liked the way he finished when breaking his maiden at first asking, but we'll look for more down the road from the promising colt. BRAVE VICTORY (Lion Heart) rolled to a 7 1/4-length maiden win in his third career start last time, but the Nick Zito-trained colt won't enjoy the same favorable trip in this spot. He's another who could develop into a very nice performer at the stakes level, but this could prove to be a learning experience.

BREAK WATER EDISON (Lemon Drop Kid) could add to the pace, but he faltered in the stretch of the Hopeful and will have to carve out a favorable trip from the rail here. We'll take a stand against him. A. P. CARDINAL (A.P. Indy) will push the pace from the start, but we'll be surprised to see the Monmouth maiden winner sustain his speed.

1st-MUNNINGS
2nd-CRIBNOTE
3rd-VINEYARD HAVEN

FRIZETTE S.na Brew) was no factor in her last two outings versus stakes rivals and owns lower Speed ratings.

1st-MISS OCEAN CITY
2nd-PERSISTENTLY
3rd-HEAVENLY VISION

INDIANA DERBY (G2), 9TH-HOO, $500,000, 3YO, 1 1/16M, 5:40 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 POWER GAME MCGAUGHEY CLAUDE III LEZCANO JOSE 121
2 CUBFANBUDMAN RIECKEN BRUCE BELL D C 121
3 HE'S EZE OLIVER TERRANCE MOJICA O 115
4 TIN CUP CHALICE LECESSE MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ P A 124
5 BUDGE MAN GORDER KELLYN PRESCOTT R 119
6 FAMOUS PATRIOT HILLS TIMOTHY A VELEZ J A JR 121
7 CHRIS GOT EVEN ZITO NICHOLAS P GONCALZES LEAND 115
8 CHOW WAGON LAUER MICHAEL DIEGO INOSENCIO 115
9 I. M. BOOMER TRIONE THOMAS E JR LEBRON VICTOR 115
10 ACAI DUTROW RICHARD E BAZE T C 124
11 ASMODEUS EILERS LARRY FELIX J E 119
12 PYRO ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 124

Class appears as if it will carry the day in Saturday's $500,000 Indiana Derby (G2) at Hoosier Park. Grade 2 winner PYRO (Pulpit), one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby (G1) in May, has been facing the cream of the three-year-old crop all season, and is our selection to reverse a two-race losing skein in the 1 1/16-mile event.

After facile victories in the Risen Star S. (G3) and Louisiana Derby (G2) to begin his sophomore campaign, Pyro was unplaced in both the Blue Grass S. (G1) in his initial venture over Polytrack and in the Kentucky Derby. He came back with a vengeance to score in the Northern Dancer S. (G3) over subsequent Super Derby (G2) winner My Pal Charlie (Indian Charlie). He was not disgraced when second and third, respectively, in the Jim Dandy S. (G2) and Travers S. (G1), and was one among several who endured a less-than-ideal trip in a roughly-run edition of the latter event. Pyro has drawn post 12 in the Indiana Derby, but we like his chances to overcome that obstacle.

New York-bred star TIN CUP CHALICE (Crusader Sword) suffered his first defeat in eight career starts when second by a neck in the Step Nicely S. at Belmont Park last time, and though he makes his first trip outside New York for this, he will prove highly dangerous if he can shake loose on an easy lead. He's already won at 8 1/2 furlongs or longer on two occasions, and is capable of kicking home nicely as evidenced in the Albany S. two back where he earned a 121 BRIS Late Pace figure.

ACAI (Three Wonders) is an up-and-comer from the owner/trainer combo that brought us Big Brown (Boundary). He narrowly missed in his dirt stakes debut in the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) last out, finishing ahead of multiple Grade 2 winner Smooth Air (Smooth Jazz) and just behind Anak Nakal (Victory Gallop), who was entered in Friday's Meadowlands Cup (G2). Acai's stock would rise in the event of a strong performance by Anak Nakal in that race.

The undefeated POWER GAME (Dixie Union) has looked very strong in his three scores at Monmouth Park, winning by a combined margin of 16 1/4 lengths. The Phipps Stable homebred will be tested for class in this, but might prove to be any kind. FAMOUS PATRIOT (Repent) prevailed over Tin Cup Chalice in the aforementioned Step Nicely S., and has certainly come a long way from earlier this year when he finished third in a modest renewal of the Holy Bull S. (G3). Indeed, he has become a better horse having given up his front-running tendencies, preferring now to rally from slightly off the pace. He's a logical inclusion to most exotics plans.

It is hard to see how the rest of the field will make much of an impact. Speed ratings earned by CHRIS GOT EVEN (Stephen Got Even), HE'S EZE (Silver Deputy) and I. M. BOOMER (Langfuhr) fall slightly below the contending standard, so all three would need career-best efforts to garner a share. BUDGE MAN (Fusaichi Pegasus) might have fallen in the same category if not for the fact he is partial to synthetic surfaces. The Minnesota-bred CUBFANBUDMAN (Van Nistelrooy), the Indiana-bred CHOW WAGON (Wagon Limit) and the Ohio-bred ASMODEUS (K. O. Punch) all appear out of their league.

1st-PYRO
2nd-TIN CUP CHALICE
3rd-ACAI

THOROUGHBRED CLUB OF AMERICA S. (G3), 9TH-KEE, $300,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 6F, 5:30 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 INDYANNE GILCHRIST GREG ALBARADO R J 118
2 DHANYATA (IRE) KENNEALLY EDDIE CASTANON J L 118
3 GOLDEN DOC A FOX GREGORY BOREL C H 122
4 GRAEME SIX AMOSS THOMAS F LEPAROUX JULIEN 120
5 SUGAR SWIRL FRANKEL ROBERT J BEJARANO R 122
6 CASH'S GIRL RITCHEY TIM F CARABALLO J C 120
7 WILD GAMS PERKINS BEN JR MENA M 120
8 ANY LIMIT JERKENS H ALLEN VELASQUEZ CORNE 122
9 SWEET HOPE KENNEALLY EDDIE DESORMEAUX K J 118
10 INDIAN DELIGHT DUGGAN DAVID P DOUGLAS R R 118

A well-matched field of 10 has been entered in Saturday's $300,000 Thoroughbred Club of America S. (G3), and we think WILD GAMS (Forest Wildcat) will be able to pull of a second straight win in the six-furlong test. The Ben Perkins Jr. charge captured last year's edition by 1 1/4 lengths after running a nice second in the Presque Isle Downs Masters S. This time around, the five-year-old mare will enter the TCA off a half-length victory in the Masters. Wild Gams is going very well of late, taking the lucrative My Juliet S. at Philadelphia Park prior to just missing by a neck over Belmont Park's muddy, sealed track in the First Flight H. (G2). She appears ready to go with Miguel Mena set to ride.

INDYANNE (Indian Charlie) suffered her first loss when second in the Victory Ride S. (G3) last out and will be looking to return to the winner's circle in this spot while facing her elders for the first time. The Greg Gilchrist-trained sophomore captured her four races before her last one by a combined 32 1/2 lengths, including a 9 1/2-length victory in the six-furlong Azalea S. (G3) at Calder in mid-July. Indyanne has experience over synthetic tracks, albeit on the Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields when recording a seven-length allowance/optional claiming score. She could lead all the way home with Robby Albarado aboard for the first time.

With Wild Gams and Indyanne as our top two picks, we'll try to inject some value into the exotics with INDIAN DELIGHT (Devil His Due). The dark bay four-year-old will be making her stakes debut here for trainer David Duggan, but has earned some stellar numbers of late. Indian Delight captured a starter allowance over Saratoga's muddy, sealed dirt on August 11 while going 6 1/2 furlongs, then returned just 20 days later to finish second in a six-furlong allowance/optional claimer over the Spa's fast main dirt. She earned 101 and 105 respective BRIS Speed numbers for those efforts, as well as a 104 BRIS Late Pace figure for each. The filly could continue to improve and grab a piece of the top three under Rene Douglas.

SUGAR SWIRL (Touch Gold) just missed to Wild Gams in this race last year and is exiting a third-place finish in the Ballerina S. (G1) most recently. The five-year-old mare has done well for herself this season, taking the First Lady H. (G3), Hurricane Bertie H. (G3) and Shirley Jones H. (G2) in her first three starts of 2008. She suffered her first loss of the year when fifth in the Human Distaff (G1) and was given a couple of months off, but returned a winner when traveling north to Woodbine and taking the Scotzanna S. two back. Sugar Swirl has the talent and momentum to take this one, and will get Rafael Bejarano in the irons.

ANY LIMIT (Limit Out) wired the First Flight, holding Wild Gams to second by a neck, before taking the Honorable Miss H. (G2) by 5 3/4 lengths in her past two. The Allen Jerkens trainee is yet another who could add this one to her resume, but we're concerned she may challenge Indyanne for pacesetting duties and the pair could duel themselves right out of the race. Nonetheless, Any Limit should be included in all exotics wagers. CASH'S GIRL (Northern Afleet) appears to be a class below the best in here, but did rally to just miss by a half-length in the Endine H. (G3) last out. She could grab part. DHANYATA (Ire) (Danetime) is a Group 3 winner in England and could earn a check in this spot.

GRAEME SIX (Graeme Hall) fits well at this level, but did not appear to like the oval at Presque Isle Downs in her only try on a synthetic surface. We'll watch to see how she handles the Polytrack. SWEET HOPE (Lemon Drop Kid) will be making her first start here for trainer Eddie Kenneally after taking the Endine under the tutelage of Larry Jones. We'll give the three-year-old a race for her new barn before backing.

GOLDEN DOC A (Unusual Heat) would be tough in this spot if she were to run, but trainer Barry Abrams has given every indication that he'll leave her in the Indiana Oaks (G2) at Hoosier Park Friday night.

1st-WILD GAMS
2nd-INDYANNE
3rd-INDIAN DELIGHT

JAMAICA H. (G2), 6TH-BEL, $250,000, 3YO, 1 1/8MT, 3:39 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SLAMBINO ALEXANDER FRANK A HILL C 114
2 WESLEY HENNIG MARK PRADO E S 117
3 THOU SWELL WEAVER GEORGE SAMYN J L 115
4 GIO PONTI CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE GARCIA A 119
5 COURT VISION MOTT WILLIAM I VELAZQUEZ J R 117
6 READY'S ECHO PLETCHER TODD A COA E M 114
7 ROMAN TIGER MANNING DENNIS J MARAGH RAJIV 115

GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) will face a familiar rival in COURT VISION (Gulch) on Saturday in the $250,000 Jamaica H. (G2) over Belmont Park's inner turf. The two met up in the Virginia Derby (G2) two back at Colonial Downs, with Gio Ponti gutting out the nose win over Court Vision. That followed a two-length victory in the Hill Prince S. (G3), but Gio Ponti had his two-race win streak broken when second by a half-length in the Del Mar Derby (G2) most recently. The Christophe Clement trainee has been working well in New York to prepare for this one, and we think he'll return to his winning ways here with Alan Garcia picking up the mount.

Court Vision moved up in a big way in the Virginia Derby following a fourth when making his turf debut in the Colonial Turf Cup S. (G3). He returned to the dirt following the Virginia Derby, but could do no better than sixth in the Travers S. (G1) last out. The Bill Mott charge could jump up once again while returning to the green in this spot, but we don't really see him turning the tables on an established turf horse like Gio Ponti and will just tab for runner-up honors. John Velazquez has the call.

Maiden winner READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready) took on the big guns when making his stakes debut in the Peter Pan S. (G2), but managed to run third on that day. Trainer Todd Pletcher then entered him in the Belmont S. (G1), and the dark bay sophomore rewarded that decision with another third-place finish. Given nearly three months off, Ready's Echo returned last out to rally for fourth in the Saranac S. (G3) in his turf bow, and could fill out the exotics once again in this spot. Eibar Coa will be in the irons if Ready's Echo chooses this race over Friday's Princeton S. at the Meadowlands.

WESLEY (El Prado [Ire]) was something of a surprise when taking the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame S. (G2) two back at the Spa, and rallied from 10th and last to be fifth, just 1 3/4 lengths behind the winner, in the Kent S. (G3) most recently. The Mark Hennig-trained gray doesn't impress us with his numbers, but seems to gut out better-than-expected placings each time he races. The three-year-old will be returning to the course over which he won his turf debut and could surprise us once again with a win here.

THOU SWELL (Aptitude) was just caught in the Hall of Fame after leading throughout, but was no factor in the Saranac last out. We don't think he'll show much in this one, either. ROMAN TIGER (Tiger Ridge) was a half-length back in third in the Jersey Derby and another half-length back in second in the Kent in his past two. Despite those efforts, the bay colt earned some pretty subpar numbers. We'll let him beat us. SLAMBINO (Grand Slam) wasn't able to challenge when making his stakes debut last out. He could be out of his class.

1st-GIO PONTI
2nd-COURT VISION
3rd-READY'S ECHO

PHOENIX S. (G3), 5TH-KEE, $250,000, 3YO/UP, 6F, 3:18 P.M. EDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 SING BABY SING BRUNER JACK A SHEPHERD J 118
2 DISFUNCTION CAREY JULIA DESORMEAUX K J 120
3 PICTURAL DUTROW RICHARD E VELASQUEZ CORNE 118
4 NAKAYAMA ARASHI GOTHARD AKIKO STRAIGHT MATTHE 118
5 TALENT SEARCH FRANKEL ROBERT J BEJARANO R 118
6 EMIRATES TO DUBAI *SUROOR SAEED BIN LANERIE C J 118
7 RAVALO BARR DONALD H BOREL C H 118
8 NOONMARK ASMUSSEN STEVEN M LEPAROUX JULIEN 120
9 CARNACKS CHOICE FOLEY GREG DOUGLAS R R 118
10 LEGAL MOVE CASSE MARK MENA M 120
11 GREELEY'S CONQUEST THOMAS GARY A THERIOT H J II 118
12 SEMAPHORE MAN VON HEMEL KELLY ALBARADO R J 120

Inaugurated in 1831, the Phoenix S. (G3) is the oldest stakes race in North America and will be renewed at Keeneland on Saturday. The six-furlong, $250,000 fixture might play a bigger role than usual in this year's Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) as it is one of the few preps contested on a synthetic surface.

RAVALO (Mutakddim), a four-time stakes winner this season, has yet to make a significant splash against graded company, but his 4-3-1-0 record on synthetics bodes well for his chances in the Phoenix. Indeed, his only setback occurred last out when he tried to stretch his speed a mile in the Leeward S. at Presque Isle Downs, where he tired late to be a clear second. The possibility of a speed duel is a concern, but it appears Ravalo will at least be outside the other likely speed in this and might find himself in pressing mode early.

CARNACKS CHOICE (Carson City) is perfect over this course, including a score over subsequent Aristides S. (G3) winner Indian Chant (Suggest) here in April, and his lackluster recent form will guarantee a big price. Rene Douglas picks up the mount.

GREELEY'S CONQUEST (Mr. Greeley) surprised more than a few when the Midwesterner completed the exacta at 38-1 in the Forego S. (G1) last time, but the four-year-old had earned decent BRIS Speed ratings in winning small stakes at Louisiana Downs and Prairie Meadows in his two prior starts. He is a complete unknown on synthetic surfaces, but few bring this good of form into this race.

NAKAYAMA ARASHI (Is It True), a narrowly beaten second in the Marfa S. at Turfway Park three weeks ago, loves Polytrack and it would be no surprise to see him in the mix again. Though he faltered in his only previous start here, he was entering off a long layoff that day and that allowance turned out to be key with several next-out winners among the entrants.

The Canadian invaders DISFUNCTION (Vying Victor) and LEGAL MOVE (Bold Executive) both merit a look as veterans of Polytrack. The former won the Vigil S. (Can-G3) at Woodbine in the spring while the latter has won four times on Woodbine's Polytrack this year and is 8-for-14 overall. PICTURAL (El Prado [Ire]), a smart allowance/optional claiming winner at Del Mar last time, debuts for trainer Richard Dutrow in this race, but might be overbet on the basis of his connections and his 104 Speed rating in that race. He is clearly in peak form now, but it's hard to overlook the fact that he's been a starter allowance mainstay for much of this year.

The "name" horse in the Phoenix looks like a bet-against. TALENT SEARCH (Catienus) placed in the Vosburgh S. (G1), Breeders' Cup Sprint and Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) to conclude his 2007 campaign, but will be making his belated seasonal debut on Saturday with no experience running on a synthetic surface. His best would win this, but we just don't see that forthcoming following the extended break.

SING BABY SING (Unbridled's Song) has been ultra-consistent for the past two seasons, albeit against softer opposition. The enigmatic Grade 3 winner NOONMARK (Unbridled's Song) has run extremely well in graded stakes this year, but strangely has not been able to handle listed foes in his past two. SEMAPHORE MAN (Formal Gold) had the right to throw in a clunker when unplaced in the Marfa following a five-month layoff, but the Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) hero still seems a stronger force on his preferred Oaklawn dirt. Turf performer EMIRATES TO DUBAI (Storm Cat) is the outsider of this group.

1st-RAVALO
2nd-CARNACKS CHOICE
3rd-GREELEY'S CONQUEST

SENATOR KEN MADDY H. (G3), 9TH-OSA, $100,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 6.5FT, 4:30 P.M. PDT, 10-4

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 WOODLAND CITY (SAF) SADLER JOHN W PEDROZA M A 114
2 LA TEE GLATT MARK COURT J K 114
3 UNSPOKEN WORD HOLLENDORFER JERRY POTTS C L 115
4 QUEEN OFTHE CATSLE ZUCKER HOWARD L SMITH M E 116
5 THAT'S HOT (IRE) GALLAGHER PATRICK SOLIS A 114
6 BAHAMA MAMA (IRE) CASSIDY JAMES FLORES D R 118
7 MINI DO CANANI JULIO C TALAMO JOSEPH 111
8 SILKY SMOOTH MULLINS JEFF BAZE M C 116
9 ELETRO NUCLEAR (BRZ) LOBO PAULO H ROSARIO JOEL 115
10 STEELIN' DELEON RAFAEL GARCIA MARTIN 114
11 LIGHTMYFIREBABY ABRAMS BARRY BLANC B 116
12 VICTORINA GILCHRIST GREG BAZE R A 118

Twelve distaffers will travel about 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill in Saturday's $100,000 Senator Ken Maddy H. (G3) at Santa Anita, and QUEEN OFTHE CATSLE (Tale of the Cat) will enter the turf sprint in excellent form. After capturing an allowance/optional claiming event two starts back at Del Mar, she made her stakes debut a winning one in the second division of the Daisycutter H. last time, rallying from just off the pace to score going away by a length. The Howard Zucker-trained four-year-old registered commendable BRIS Speed and Late Pace numbers for those efforts, and we'll stick with the hot horse on Saturday.

WOODLAND CITY (SAf) (Al Mufti) offered a respectable rally for third in the Daisycutter and is eligible to break through with her first U.S. win in her third attempt. Now trained by the dangerous John Sadler, the five-year-old mare figures to offer decent value from the rail with Martin Pedroza, and she's worked well over the local turf.

THAT'S HOT (Ire) (Namid) made a fine impression when making her first U.S. start in the first division of the Daisycutter, making up a lot of ground in the stretch to finish fourth, and the Irish import is eligible to keep showing more in this spot for Paddy Gallagher. The added ground figures to benefit her, and we like the way she's worked since her last start on September 1.

SILKY SMOOTH (Mr. Greeley) is one to consider for the top three. The Jeff Mullins runner is doing well presently, finishing second by a nose in the C.E.R.F. H. two starts back and a close fourth in the Rancho Bernardo H. (G2) most recently, and the three-time turf winner should have little trouble transferring her form from the Polytrack. She figures to be running late under Michael Baze. Brazilian Group 2 heroine ELETRO NUCLEAR (Brz) (Dodge) finished third by a half-length when making her first start stateside in the Daisycutter, but she doesn't have any experience past six furlongs. She's still a threat to grab part with further improvement off her last effort.

STEELIN' (Orientate) exits a stakes victory at Fairplex, and she's run well over the downhill course in the past. The four-year-old miss will be tested for class, but we can't dismiss her outright from consideration for the bottom of the exotics. VICTORINA (Delaware Township) steps up off an allowance score at Bay Meadows, but the Grade 3-winning filly owns back class. We're not thrilled about the far outside post, and we'll just watch to see how she handles her turf debut.

LIGHTMYFIREBABY (Unusual Heat) is an honest performer for Barry Abrams, but the California-bred could find this level a little daunting. LA TEE (Broken Vow) led wire to wire in a Santa Anita allowance/optional claiming event over the course earlier this year, but she doesn't figure to make an easy lead here and could face too much pressure up front.

BAHAMA MAMA (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) will be on the engine from the start and brings solid form into this event, winning a one-mile allowance/optional claiming event last time at Del Mar, but her early exploits could soften her up. UNSPOKEN WORD (Catienus) could push the pace, but we can't recommend her chances based on her last few efforts. MINI DO (Hold for Gold) broke her maiden over the course in March, but she's run poorly in her last two starts versus stakes rivals.

1st-QUEEN OF THE CASTLE
2nd-WOODLAND CITY (SAf)
3rd-THAT'S HOT (Ire)