Hop Kat could be anything having won by eight lengths at Churchill Downs last May. Tomato Bill had decent form last year while Double Crown beat OURNATIONONPARADE a neck at Laurel Park back in September but hasn’t raced since. The runner-up improved next time to win easily and Katherine Ritvo’s gelding hasn’t done a lot wrong in two runs here this year - he could enjoy a fitness advantage over his likely market rivals. Sarasota County looks the pick of the older horses.
Sarasota County (USA) 5-1 (8-12) No factor, 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Real Money (8-12) at Gulfstream 5f gd in Apr.
Hop Kat (USA) 11-10fav (8-6) Drew away, ridden out, won at Churchill Downs 5f mdn fst in May beating El Cochito (8-6) by shd, 9 ran.
Absolute Grit (USA) 22-1 (8-6) Drft out,bump st,std'd, 7th of 10, 12 1/2l behind Cajun Brother (8-6) at Gulfstream 6f fst in Apr.
Miles Ahead (USA) 20-1 (8-8) 5wd 5/16p,weakened, 8th of 12, 8 1/2l behind Money Moves (8-8) at Gulfstream 1m fst in Mar.
Jake Rocks (USA) 80-1 (8-9) Midpack early, tired, 10th of 12, 15 1/2l behind Travelling Midas (8-9) at Gulfstream 7f fst in Mar.
Double Crown (USA) 7-1 (8-10) Rail turn,2w 1/4,up, won at Laurel Park 6f mdn fst in Sep beating Ournationonparade (8-10) by nk, 7 ran.
Ournationonparade (USA) 17-2 (8-8) Pace,duel,gave way, 6th of 12, 7 1/2l behind Money Moves (8-8) at Gulfstream 1m fst in Mar.
Tomato Bill (USA) 12-1 (8-8) Hit gate,ins to 1/4,2w, last of 6, 10 3/4l behind Four Wheel Drive (8-10) at Belmont Park 6f stks gd in Oct.
