Really nice card at Fair Grounds today with their Road to the Derby Day in which they have 6 stakes races and solid purses in each race capping it off with this G3 Lecomte Derby prep.
While this isn't a big field of 8 entries, it is quite deep in talent with 5 or 6 viable interests for winning honors. Brad Cox brings a strong contingent of 3 and Asmussen and Casse have solid entries as well. Should be a good one.
Next Level: While he has won at FG, that was a pedestrian pace and pedestrian final time. He ain't getting that trip today. Also stepped up in class 3 times to date, and simply hasn't been competitive. Merely a rabbit? Pass.
Nash: Quite a bit of talk on this guy after his 10 length romp to break his maiden at Churchill. Next out he was a bit disappointing at this venue without much of an excuse as he was sitting a length back at 2nd call and simply didn't have what
Track Phantom had that day. Could be that he is a need the lead type as his lone win in 3 tries was on the front. Gotta think that has to be the plan for this one today. Contender.
Tizzy Indy: The other Desormeaux entry also looks to be quite a bit in over his head. Lone win to date was in $20K Maiden Claiming company. Pass.
Can Group: Very interesting entry from the Casse barn that ran a very respectable 4th in the BC Juvy Turf. Now switches back to dirt after two very solid showings in his last two. Will he get enough pace with a
Nash/Track Phantom duel? Potentially, but you still have to think they want to get this guy out of the gate a bit better, and more into the race early. Contender.
Ethan Energy: Another Cox entry that gets the call for Saez this time. Maiden beau was a clunker in a race where he took a good amount of money. Came back in his next at this venue and distance and certainly enjoyed the two turns and extra distance. This Uncle Mo looks like he has more in the tank. Contender.
Lat Long: 5 career starts, and really hasn't ran a bad race to date, but still with only 1 win. A lot of italics in his PPs so it isn't like he is getting beat by bad horses. Still, this guy has to take several steps forward to gain the win. Likely needs a perfect trip, but certainly not without a shot. Chance.
Track Phantom: 4 races, and 4 solid efforts. Put it all together 2 back, and responded last out with another solid win. Deserving favorite that likes to be on the front. Obvious contender and the one to beat.
Awesome Road: Very nice win in his debut, and was immediately put into Graded Stakes company. This final Cox entry then fell flat in his last two stakes races, but gets some time off coming in here, and is training well. Very interesting longshot that also brings in the services of the likely apprentice jockey of the year in Axel Concepcion who has had a nice Turfway meet. Longshot contender.
