The Joe Sharp-trained colt heads a field of nine in the Kentucky Derby qualifier, which offers points on a scale. The son of Tale of Ekati has raced exclusively at the New Orleans venue, breaking his maiden the first time out in mid-December. He then switched to turf and recorded a close second in the Keith Gee Memorial on February 4. The dark bay came back 21 days later to capture the Risen Star, stalking the pace in midpack before rallying to the lead in upper stretch.
Girvin has drawn inside gates in all three starts but will break from post 8 Saturday with regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr. Local Hero will try to build upon a Risen Star third in his stakes debut. Conditioned by Steve Asmussen, the speedy colt led wire-to-wire posting a convincing maiden win over the track two starts previously and set the pace in the Risen Star before weakening in the latter stages.
Listed as the early second choice, the well-bred Hard Spun colt retains the services of Florent Geroux and figures to set sail from post 3 at the break.
Todd Pletcher will send out a pair of last-out maiden winners in Patch and Monaco. The promising son of Union Rags breaks from the rail with new jock Tyler Gaffalione. Monaco adds blinkers off a length romp at Tampa Bay Downs in his third career outing. Listed at , Uncle Mo colt picks up Rajiv Maragh. Lecomte G3 winner Guest Suite also merits respect.
He left himself too much to do from off the pace in the Risen Star, closing belatedly for fourth, but could receive a nice set-up with a fair amount of pace entered. He is an early with Robby Albarado. Missed something?
