Harlan – Grade III
GP   Race #8   1 1/16m   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $100.000  For Three Year Olds And Upward.

1 Team Panther, trained by Tiratzo
This gelding has always been held in high regard and even took on the FL Derby as a maiden. Since that effort which to be honest didnt start any fires he won a good CD Maiden and most recently a $90.000 Open Allowance at BEL. His works are right up there with the best and that last win was most impressive against a good field so it wouldnt surprise to see him finally reach his potential.

2 Zulu Dancer, trained by Witeout Stables
Another that has been highly tried he won a maiden in September before taking on the Commonwealth Derby. He was pretty much a no show in that race and again disappointed in an ungraded stakes next time out. He took a confidence boosting overnight win last time and runs on dirt for the first time in a year which as we all know is a dangerous time for an upset win. He shouldnt be good enough but weird things can happen when a horse switches surfaces so write him off at your peril.

3 Final Tune, trained by Mb Stables
A real consistent sort in good grade he was huge in his last race when taking the Empire Classic with triple digit speed figures and a repeat of that may be good enough.

4 Rapid Refund, trained by Grimley
Came from obscurity to very nearly win the grade one Woodward but then ran a terrible race in the JC Gold cup. The off track in the Gold Cup was clearly the problem as he ran much better to be fourth in te Clark Handicap last time out. He is certainly at the veteran stage at six years old but a repeat of his Woodward run will see him go very close.

5 Fly Milenium, trained by John Henry
This will be an interesting race for this one who has been in some top sprints this year and has always run like he may appreciate a longer trip. Beaten just one length in the BC Sprint he was one of the strongest finishers that day and his recent mile works are suggesting he could run a big race today.

6 Chrystal Wizard, trained by John Henry
This seven year old was bought for just ten dollars and considering he won the suburban Handicap in July that certainly looked a bargain. He ran well in a decent allowance last time out and may not be finished yet.

7 Rising Light, trained by Nakamura Stables
Was a big TC hope for the stable but disappointed a little in the KYD and Preakness. Since then he has gradually come back to himself and won the BC Derby last time by a very comfortable length. His works are very solid and the stable is in good form so if he can work with the wide draw he could be a live hope.

8 Snowmizer, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Another who was disappointing in the TC he too has found himself a little since those poor efforts. A good sixth in the Queens Plate and close up in the Vosburgh he certainly has a touch of class but may find the wide draw and one or two of these too hard to beat.

SUMMARY
I like Rising Light in this but its tough to go past an Mb Stables runner especially one that is working up a storm so Final Tune may just pip him. Fly millenium may run a big race over this longer trip and Team Panther is well overdue a big win.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES