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Adelaide looms large in Secretariat; Dandino seeks American St. Leger repeat
"We thought the horse had a lot of talent, and we felt like there was something that was going to improve him and thought, 'A surface change might help,'" Mott said of the decision to run Tourist on turf in his fifth career start. "We made the switch, and he responded well. "It wasn't surprising to see him run so well (in the Sir Cat). After seeing his first two starts on the grass, we knew he belonged at this level, and now we have an opportunity to run in a Grade 1. I expect him to be forwardly placed. He's got speed but can rate." Tourist, who will attempt to give Mott his third Secretariat victory, retains the services of Joel Rosario and is listed as the 5-2 second choice on the morning line. Global View showed his class capturing the Grade 2 American Turf on the Kentucky Derby undercard and likely found the one-mile trip too short when second in the May 31 Penn Mile. He offered a solid middle move into contention before flattening out in the final furlongs of the Belmont Derby, checking in seventh, and the Tom Proctor charge will receive a jockey switch to Julien Leparoux on Saturday. The Galileo colt was made the 5-1 third choice. Divine Oath comes next at 8-1 on the morning line following his tally in the Grade 2 American Derby on July 12, the local prep for the Secretariat. Conditioned by Todd Pletcher, the son of Broken Vow has captured three of four turf starts and keeps local rider Florent Geroux in the saddle. General Jack returns to graded company following a victory in the grassy Centaur Stakes at Indiana Downs and is listed at 12-1. Graham Motion entered recent Saratoga allowance winner Can'thelpbelieving, but announced Wednesday afternoon that he will be withdrawn. Rounding out the Secretariat field, at 15-1 on the morning line, are American Derby third Highball; and Sheldon, who finished fifth when making his first start against winners in the Belmont Derby.
He's listed as the 3-1 morning line favorite with jockey Frankie Dettori. The Pizza Man and Suntracer were separated by less than a length when finishing first and third in the Grade 3 local prep, the July 12 Stars and Stripes, and both runners merit respect in this spot. They're listed at 9-2 and 4-1, respectively. Eye of the Storm, who exits a Group 3 score at Leopardstown for O'Brien, comes next on the morning line at 6-1 along with California shipper Big Kick. Moore will be up on Eye of the Storm, a four-year-old son of Galileo, and leading local rider James Graham takes over the mount on Big Kick, who brings a two-race win streak for trainer Mike Machowsky, easily capturing the Grade 2 San Capistrano most recently in front-running fashion. Admiral Kitten, winner of last year's Secretariat and a head second in the July 12 Arlington H., is a juicy 10-1 early price for trainer Mike Maker. Leparoux rides the Kitten's Joy colt. Havana Beat, Moro Tap, Infinite Magic and Moment in Time are also entered. Hardest Core was cross-entered to the Arlington Million and is expected to opt out of the American St. Leger for that race. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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