Multiple Grade 2 hero STRONG HOPE (Grand Slam) is set to make his second start of the year in Saturday's $350,000 Carter H. (G1) and the Todd Pletcher charge could easily show up in the winner's circle in the end. He captured his seasonal debut by a dominating 9 3/4 lengths over a classy optional claiming field at Gulfstream Park and is the probable favorite in this seven-furlong event. The bay four-year-old earned a career-best 113 BRIS Speed rating for that last one and proved himself over track and distance when breaking his maiden last year. We can't pick against Strong Hope, who will have regular rider John Velazquez returning to the saddle.

SECRET RUN (End Sweep) has a chance to post an upset. The Frank Laboccetta Jr. trainee won six of his last eight, usually by wide margins at the wire, and has posted century-topping numbers from five of his last six. He worked a bullet three furlongs in :35 on Tuesday to prepare for this and could take his stakes debut with Norberto Arroyo Jr. holding the reins.

WELL FANCIED (Prosper Fager) posted a field-best 115 Speed rating last out when scoring a two-length victory in the Toboggan H. (G3) over track and distance, earning a 110 BRIS E2 and 109 Late Pace figure. The six-year-old bay also worked a bullet half-mile at Aqueduct on Monday in :48 to get ready for a third straight win. He started it all off with a wire-to-wire score in the General George H. (G2) in his 2004 bow, and the Richard Dutrow charge could find himself getting his picture taken with Eibar Coa in the saddle.

BADGE OF SILVER (Silver Deputy) finished fifth in the General George most recently, but was only 2 1/2 lengths back of Well Fancied. The lightly raced four-year-old has recorded nothing but triple-digit Speed numbers in his six-race career and will have Jerry Bailey undertaking piloting duties. Badge of Silver will challenge for the top three.

Multiple Group 1 hero PICO CENTRAL (Brz) (Spend a Buck) has won both of his U.S. starts so far and captured the San Carlos H. (G2) most recently while earning a 114 E2 Pace figure. He'll be shipping in from California and deserves serious consideration. GYGISTAR (Prospector's Music) posted his last victory nine months ago, but is one of the few in here who has experience winning from off the pace. With so much early speed present, the chestnut five-year-old could come running late and grab part.

DON SIX (Wild Escapade), third in the Toboggan last out, is yet another potential pacesetter in this 10-horse field, but might not be able to hang around at the end. He still merits exotic consideration at a price. PEEPING TOM (Eagle Eyed) won this race in 2001, ran eighth in 2002 and finished third last year by 4 3/4 lengths. The hard-knocking gelding took his first start back this year and could show up in the bottom of the gimmicks with a good late run.

SUPER FUSE (Lite the Fuse) scored his first win since early January of last year last out in an Aqueduct optional claimer and might be out of his class against these. EYE OF THE TIGER (American Chance) doesn't look fast enough to challenge here.

1st-STRONG HOPE
2nd-SECRET RUN
3rd-WELL FANCIED