Canadian Turf J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) runner-up COURAGEOUS CAT (Storm Cat) will return to

action in Saturday's Canadian Turf (G3) at Gulfstream Park, and the Bill

Mott-trained colt looks capable of dominating against this competition. He

didn't break his maiden until trying the turf last June and followed it up with

a pair of gigantic performances versus stakes rivals, winning the A Gift S. at

Belmont Park and

the Hall of Fame S. (G2) at Saratoga in succession. The bay colt followed with a

close third in the Jamaica H. (G1) and then threatened to upset the Breeders'

Cup Mile before settling for second, only a half-length back of the superstar filly Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa).

Courageous Cat should only continue to improve as a four-year-old. His BRIS

Speed and Pace numbers are excellent, and this looks like a comfortable spot to

prep for his return to Grade 1 competition.

VANQUISHER (Gulch) is one of only two horses in the field with a victory over

the course, taking the Tallahassee S. for Florida-breds last February, and the

Gregory Griffith trainee will enter this race off a solid third in the Colonel

E. R. Bradley H. (G3) at Fair Grounds. The gelding owns terrific BRIS Late Pace

numbers, and he should appreciate expected firm conditions after making his last

three starts on rain-softened ground. There's plenty of speed signed on for the

late runner, and we'll look for some value in the exacta with him (20-1 morning

line).

MAMBO MEISTER (King Cugat) is a logical top three candidate from off the

pace. Runner-up in the 2009 Fourstardave H. (G2) at Saratoga, the Grade 3 winner

is a hard-trying type with Late Pace ratings of 115, 112 and 110 in his last

four starts, and Saturday's expected pace scenario should really benefit him.

The Phil Gleaves pupil picks up the services of John Velazquez. Note that he's

cross-entered to Saturday's Tampa Bay S.

Canadian champion RAHY'S ATTORNEY (Crown Attorney) will make his first start

since a good second in the River City H. (G3) in November. The early runner has

proven tractable in the past, and he'll need to avoid getting caught up in a

pace battle off the layoff. If he does settle, the Ian Black charge can parlay a

stalking trip into a top three finish. STAR PLUS (Arg) (Alpha Plus) exits an

encouraging runner-up effort versus allowance rivals, his first start since 2008, and

is eligible to grab a minor award here with further improvement. The South American

import has some back class and is in good hands with Angel Penna Jr., so consider

for part.

JET PROPULSION (Double Honor) is doing well presently for Marty Wolfson and

can't be dismissed from exotics consideration, but the front runner faces the

possibility of a taxing trip during the early stages. He'll probably get overbet

off his victory in the Sunshine Millions Turf last time, and we'll try to beat

him. Sunshine Millions Turf runner-up PICKAPOCKET (Mecke) will look to make a

late impact, but he's facing a class check and probably prefers a little more

ground than a flat mile. He's also cross-entered to the Tampa Bay.

LE GRAND CRU (Dynaformer) wheels back off a two-week rest and will likely be

prompting the pace from the rail. He finished a fine fourth (moved to third via

disqualification) in the Gulfstream Park Turf (G1) last time, but he won't enjoy

the same easy trip on the lead here. We'll go against the front runner. CHEROKEE

ARTIST (Cherokee Run) hasn't shown enough in two previous turf starts for us to

recommend his chances. DREAM MAESTRO (Concerto) is entered for the main track

only.