Ack Ack

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

The $100,000 Ack Ack H. (G3) is the opening-day feature at Churchill Downs

and VICARAGE (Vicar) should be hard to deny with a repeat of his powerful

victory in the Perryville S. (G3) at Keeneland. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt

pressed fast fractions before drawing off by 10 lengths in a fast time over the

deep, loose, slow surface that characterized the Lexington oval this fall.

STRAIGHT LINE (Boundary) rallied well for runner-up honors in the Perryville

and captured the Iroquois S. (G3) in his only start over this surface last year.

The dark bay colt appears to be the primary threat.

ARTEMUS SUNRISE (Tale of the Cat) has finished first or second in nine

starts over this track and exits a game score in the Turfway Park Fall

Championship S. (G3). He must be included in all exotics.

LEVEL PLAYINGFIELD (Level Sands) is a useful sort who fits with this group.

He could come running late for a share. NKOSI REIGNS (Out of Place) ran a close

fifth as the favorite in the Turfway Park Fall Championship. Consider at fair

odds. STERLING GOLD (Mutakddim) is a solid closer who could surprise.

GO NOW (Go For Gin) is having a good season and is trained by Nick Zito. He rates our longshot play under David Flores.

NAKAYAMA KUN (Known Fact) won the Governor's H. from far back at Ellis Park

and can't be completely dismissed. BRITT'S JULES (Jules) is 0-for-6 this year

and is hard to like.