Discovery

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A terrific field of three-year-olds will line up for Belmont Park's

$250,000 Discovery H. (G3), the 1 1/16-mile event immediately preceding the

Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

Withers S. (G3) winner SCRAPPY T (Fit To Fight), who is best known for his

antics during this year's Preakness S. (G1), exits a troubled runner-up effort

as the favorite in the Indiana Derby (G2). The speedy Robert Bailes trainee has

been working well since then and gets a rider change to Jerry Bailey. He rates

our top choice.

The Todd Pletcher-trained MAGNA GRADUATE (Honor Grades) was knocking at the door

in lucrative graded events before powering to a convincing win in the Pegasus S.

(G3) last out. He rates the primary threat under John Velazquez.

Risen Star S. (G3) winner SCIPION (A.P. Indy), who has not started since

finishing sixth in the Louisiana Derby (G2), is our longshot

special. The Patrick Biancone charge could come running late for a share under Gary

Stevens.

Santa Anita Derby (G1) hero BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay), who finished fifth in

the Kentucky Derby (G1), comes off the shelf for conditioner Ron Ellis. The colt

is a proven commodity and must be respected. WAR FRONT (Danzig) has won his last

three on the front end for trainer Allen Jerkens. He is a threat to take this

field

gate to wire. WATCHMON (Maria's Mon) captured the Jamaica H. (G3) in his last

start in near front-running fashion and rates our sleeper.

QUADRANT (Boundary) offered a mild bid before finishing seventh in the

Pennsylvania Derby (G2) last out. He has some upset potential. ANDROMEDA'S HERO

(Fusaichi Pegasus) has been keeping high-level company and could factor under

the talented Rafael Bejarano. SPANISH MISSION (Coronado's Quest) comes off an

impressive seven-length victory against lesser and could pose a threat for

trainer Shug McGaughey and jockey Edgar Prado.

FREEDOM ISNT FREE (Fly So Free) brings good form into this event but will get

tested for class with these. TANI MARU (Cherokee Run) will likely force the

early issue but is hard to recommend.