ANALYSIS

BEST BET: RACE 10, DAK ATTACK FIRST RACE

Lots of pace in this one. MEGEVE comes off solid try when dropped back to this level several weeks earlier, worked well for new and suddenly hot connections off the claim and has shown the ability to rate and win from off the pace in the past. Might get first run over LITTLE BALTAR who caught favorable pace scenario to defeat same kind in 2017 finale winning faster division of split $16K claimer but will have to work out similar trip from tougher post today. FOX ROX an intriguing sort having never tried turf in his career but proven on synthetics and with some good numbers to go back to. Must avoid getting hooked early in what could be a serious speed duel.

SECOND RACE

FLYING LIBERTY fanned wide, hung late trying state bred stakes foes in 2yo finale, drops back with softer company here and likely to catch honest pace scenario with plenty of speed to the outside. ROYAL HOLIDAY one of several potential pace factors in this lineup but must respect returning to grass especially off big career bow when defeated by Tap Daddy, an N1X allow. winner on grass during the fall CD meet. ALIEN INVASION another speedy sort who was just nailed by undefeated Zeke making impressive turf bow at Fair Grounds. Talented but another who must avoid early conflict with Royal Holiday and Tigerbeach.

THIRD RACE

PIVEN working well on the dirt for main track bow, finished a neck behind subsequent stakes winner Admirality Pier in woodbine finale. Should sit a nice stalking trip behind the inside speed. REED KAN earned high marks winning turf bow now returns to dirt, a surface he’s handled well in the past. Will likely have hand forced breaking from rail, must avoid potential early duel with speed AEQUOR.

FOURTH RACE

SPORTSCASTER returns to the scene of an impressive triumph for this tag last winter. Hard used contesting pace when last sighted late summer at Churchill Downs but likely to try different tactics today, rate off all the other speed in this lineup. Seems to be working well enough to be along at his best. MODERN TALE re-claimed by current connections and exiting a pretty good try when fanned wide, finishing full of run in faster division of split $16K turf claimer three weeks earlier. WHAT POWER not badly beaten by tougher returning locally on 12/14, must respect on drop to this softer spot.

FIFTH RACE

OTHERS WILL FOLLOW turned in super impressive debut winning off by herself despite walking out of the gate well behind her field. Continues to train forwardly, figures on or with pace throughout if leaving cleaner today. CICATRIX another impressive debut winner while also having something left at the wire. May have to try different tactics today, however, with plenty of other speed types in this lineup. LIL B QUICK caught slop, showed improvement in the House Party, could be the one to prove major beneficiary if all the speed does tie up at the end.

SIXTH RACE

Doesn’t look like any of the new faces are killers so going with the experienced ones and starting with SARGEANT DRIVE who gets full makeover, blink-