Nice closing effort when second while facing graded horses for the first time, in his most recent effort.  He’s been on the board in three of four races, and has some tactical speed which should help from the rail.  Still, this is a salty bunch and he’s going to need his best and then some to be part of this one.

Had been the picture of consistency until that dud on BC day.  He was only beaten three lengths, but we all know what that means around here… NUTHIN!  Can he bounce back and find his way today?

Broke maiden in his most recent while blowing by the field at BEL going a flat mile.  Obviously, you can see some upside with this one, but he’s never really shown it yet and this is an acid test in only his third start.  Solid works makes you think he’s going to be a nice horse but he’s still rather green.

Won the Nashua (GII) at AQU in his most recent and comes back on short rest to face this group.  Nice third place finish in the Champaign (GI), so you know this one has some talent.  I’d give him a big look today.

Undefeated in four starts, including a nice closing win at BEL in the Futurity (GII) where he beat a nice group of horses.  Sharp outfit and this one really looks like a super nice horse.  Solid works… there’s really not much you can say bad about him – I guess his first shot at two-turns is the only question mark.

Took down a WV-bred stakes in his most recent, and that gives him back-to-back wins.  Obviously, you can see the stop up in class here, and I’m sure the barn would be happy to take home any type of a check today.

Closed to be sixth as the post-time favorite at KEE in his first look at graded hoses.  He found a bit of traffic that day and may be a horse that could have some odds and still be a big factor in this one.  The King always comes with his gun loaded, so give this one a big chance.

Fast closing fifth on BC day, despite the fact that he’s still a maiden.  Just missed in a GI at DMR prior to his run at KEE, so the barn probably isn’t too worried about that fact.  They bring him back on short rest so it will be interesting to see how the quick turn-around works.

He’s been on a steady diet on NY bred races and has been bring home checks on a regular basis.  Steps up to the big leagues here today and he certainly seems to want a bit more distance.  Bullet works tells you he’s fit.

Closed well to be third in an overnight stakes at KEE in his most recent effort.  Was fourth in a graded stakes at AP and just missed at RP, sandwiched in between those races.  He’s one of those sneaky types that seems to get a piece, so don’t leave him off of the tri ticket.

Fast closing fourth at KEE in the Breeders Futurity (GI) and was third at DMR in a GI prior to that race.  He looks like a horses that may be sitting on a win, comes from a sharp outfit, and may need to be a bit closer to the pace than that last race.

Third beaten a head in the Coronation at WO and they now bring this one back on very short rest.  He broke maiden in a stakes race, so this one has been off of the “norm” since the get-go.  He worked a mile (bullet) at WO the other morning, so they certainly thing he’s a tough-guy.

Was ninth on BC day after winning the Champagne (GI) at BEL on a sloppy track.  The post certainly does him no favors in this one, but I think he’s a horse with a ton of ability.  This will come down to how the race sets-up and traffic.

Three wins from four starts including a pair of FLA-bred stakes.  He has shown tactical speed and the ability to run his competition into the ground and breaking from the far outside is going to make for an interesting day.

Broke maiden last out at MTH going two turns, and that was only his second start.  Certainly a salty spot to go after his second win, but there’s a good chance he won’t draw-in to this one anyway.

Tired to be eighth in the Front Row (GI) at SA back in Sept.  Has been on the board in four of six starts, but both off-the-board races were the last two starts.

Broke maiden at CRC v. FLA-breds and probably doesn’t want to come back on this short of notice to face this group of horses.

Two wins from four starts and closed well to be third at RET in his most recent.  I don’t think there’s any chance he draws into this one.

            Willie’s Green Card   5  /  7  /  8

Categories: Grade III