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AMERICAN GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS
Ten older handicappers will vie in the 1 1/4-mile, $400,000 Suburban H. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday. Stephen Foster H. (G1) runner-up ASIATIC BOY (Arg) (Not for Sale) was a standout in Dubai earlier in his career and looks capable of regaining that form for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The six-year-old bay was a good second in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) last year at this trip, signaling that he can stay 10 panels at the right venue, and it could be argued that he faced a deeper field last out at Churchill Downs. Alan Garcia will pilot the win threat. The Barclay Tagg-trained DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz) loves a route of ground and has been freshened for this event in hopes of taking down the lucrative winner's share. The Florida-bred, who sizzled a bullet five-eighths in advance of this, is a one-run closer who will need some of those in front of him early to back up, but he may get his wish in this demanding test. We'll certainly use the gray is the exotics at a square price. RISING MOON (Runaway Groom) was a solid third in this event last campaign and he could be ready for a big showing in his third off the bench for trainer Richard Dutrow. The gray six-year-old has good tactical speed and a good draw, so we expect him to be in the second flight early beneath Jose Lezcano before offering a challenge. Multiple stakes star COOL COAL MAN (Mineshaft) has been incredibly consistent as of late for trainer Nick Zito, and the four-year-old rates a long look against these under John Velazquez. The tactical colt should endure a useful trip from just off the pace before putting in his run. FINALLYMADEIT (Concerto) has proven himself in Florida this campaign, picking up a pair of Grade 3 wins while finishing a close second in the Donn H. (G1) this winter. The Javier Negrete charge had no excuses when seventh in the Stephen Foster last out and could have some company on the font end this time, but if he establishes a clear lead in the early going on this day, he can hang on for a minor award. REAL MERCHANT (Chi) (Merchant of Venice) is winless in five starts since coming to the United States and may be a cut below the best in here, but he did register a 109 BRIS Speed rating two starts back at Belmont and merits consideration for the bottom of the vertical plays under Rajiv Maragh. Oaklawn H. (G2) star IT’S A BIRD (Birdonthewire) has come to hand in fine fashion for conditioner Marty Wolfson, rolling home to three wins in his last four, including a tally in the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic earlier this year. The six-year-old Florida-bred will lose his regular rider but pick up an ample sub in Javier Castellano. We just can't see this one negotiating 10 furlongs over this oval and will take stand against the possible favorite. Hard-trying New York-bred STUD MUFFIN (Raffie's Majesty) has been first or second in four straight and six of eight overall at this venue for David Duggan, but his lack of recent wins is of concern against this cast. The five-year-old gray doesn't figure to get tired at this distance, but we're not sure if he's fast enough to keep pace throughout. Cornelio Velasquez has the assignment. READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready) was seventh in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out while receiving a relatively good trip. We've never thought of the Todd Pletcher charge as a natural 10-furlong runner, so we will pass on this colt. SAMHOON (A.P. Indy) struggled in claiming races in recent times before turning it around for Dan Peitz, rolling to two wins over this strip by a combined 6 1/2 lengths. The well-bred bay still needs significant improvement to receive mention against these from the widest post.
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