Best Pal J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

Six juveniles are entered in Sunday's $150,000 Best Pal S. (G2), but maiden

winner SLAM SLEW (Grand Slam) is expected to scratch. That leaves a small field

of five in the 6 1/2-furlong test, and we'll stick with the hot horse, SALUTE THE SARGE

(Forest Wildcat). Trained by Eric Guillot, the bay colt has recorded a pair of

sharp scores in his brief career, rallying from off the pace to win a

five-furlong maiden special weight at Hollywood before capturing the Hollywood

Juvenile Championship S. (G3) by a nose.

Salute the Sarge didn't register the best BRIS Speed rating last time, but

his Speed (93) and Late Pace (95) figures were very respectable in his first career

outing, and we expect further improvement on Sunday. We're encouraged by the

three works he's posted in the last 15 days, and Salute the Sarge will be

running late under Michael Baze.

LEONIDES (Richter Scale) is a top threat. Salute the Sarge got the jump on

him last time, but the Vladimir Cerin charge battled gamely with his rival in

deep stretch before falling a nose short in the Hollywood Juvenile

Championship. Leonides probably won't be far back during the early stages with

jockey Joseph Talamo, and the strong-finishing colt is a candidate to turn the

tables on Salute the Sarge.

GEORGIE BOY (Tribal Rule) steps into open company following a score over Cal-breds

in the Graduation S. The Kathy Walsh charge gained valuable experience over the Polytrack

while breaking his maiden in that stakes, but we're not sure about the company he was

facing. However, the improving dark bay gelding can't be dismissed from win

consideration.

SKY CAPE (Najran) will likely show speed under Jose Valdivia Jr., and the

early pace figures to be pretty moderate. Front runners have performed well in six

and 6 1/2-furlong sprints over the Polytrack, and Sky Cape has the opportunity to

hold for a small share following a favorable trip.

MIX (Menifee) is a one-dimensional late runner with class concerns in this

spot. He'll already be making his third start of the meet.