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Silent Valor cuts back in distance for Spectacular Bid Sapling S. (G3) winner SILENT VALOR (Lion Heart), eighth in the 1 1/16-mile Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) last time out, will cut back to six furlongs in Saturday's $100,000 Spectacular Bid S. on opening day at Gulfstream Park. The Todd Pletcher pupil will clash with seven rivals, led by Birdonthewire S. romper YOU LUCKIE MANN (Exchange Rate), Tyro S. runner-up NOTONTHESAMEPAGE (Catienus) and JAZZANDTHEMAGICIAN (Birdstone). Silent Valor was second on his debut to the undefeated Run Away and Hide, who went on to capture the Kentucky S. (G3) and Saratoga Special S. (G2). In his second start, Silent Valor posted a front-running, 6 1/4-length triumph at Belmont Park and followed up with an off-the-pace score in the Sapling at Monmouth. The dark bay then attempted to stretch out to two turns in the Norfolk S. (G1) at Santa Anita, where he tracked the pace in the 1 1/16-mile event before fading to fifth. In the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he was compromised by a poor start, but still closed well and was beaten a total of 3 3/4 lengths by presumptive champion Midshipman (Unbridled's Song). John Velazquez will guide Silent Valor, the 2-1 second choice on the morning line, from post 7. The Marty Wolfson-trained You Luckie Mann has been installed as the 8-5 early favorite, largely on the strength of his bolting home by 11 lengths in the Birdonthewire last time out. The gray, who rolled to a 14 3/4-length victory in his career bow at Calder, has yet to win beyond 5 1/2 furlongs. In his two starts beyond that distance, he finished third in the Dr. Fager and Affirmed divisions of the Florida Stallion S., where he ran into the dominating Big Drama (Montbrook). Regular rider Jermaine Bridgmohan will be back aboard You Luckie Mann. The speedy Notonthesamepage made a big splash at Churchill Downs last summer, powering to a track-record score in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden. Although he was caught late and settled for second in the Tyro, he finished 12 1/4 lengths clear of third. Fifth to Vineyard Haven (Lido Palace [Chi]) in the Hopeful S. (G1), Notonthesamepage set the early pace in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) before tiring to finish last of 11. The Wesley Ward trainee figures to enjoy dropping back into a sprint here, and he promises to flash speed from the rail with Elvis Trujillo. Jazzandthemagician was a convincing debut maiden winner going six furlongs at Churchill in November. Next time out, he stepped up in both class and distance in the Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) and reported home sixth to Beethoven (Sky Mesa). Trained by Dale Romans, the Zayat Stables colt is another who is eligible to show more in this spot. Kent Desormeaux, who was aboard for his maiden win, will reunite with the Jazzandthemagician at Gulfstream.
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