Fifth Season

A competitive group of older horses will vie in Thursday's 1 1/16-mile Fifth

Season S. (G3) at Oaklawn Park. KID GRINDSTONE (Grindstone), who won this event

last year, is our top choice. Trained by Michael Campbell, the gray gelding was

trapped inside before finishing sixth to Magna Graduate (Honor

Grades) in the Razorback Breeders' Cup H. (G3) in his seasonal debut at this

track and trip on March 9. Kid Grindstone has trained well since and figures to

move forward in a big way under regular rider Jesse Campbell.

SILENT PLEASURE (Real Quiet) has won three of four starts this season at

Delta Downs and comes off back-to-back victories in the 1 1/16-mile Gulf Coast

Classic S. and Delta Mile S. The dark bay is well drawn near the inside for a

ground-saving trip. Silent Pleasure projects a forwardly placed trip and has

been finishing strongly of late. He should factor for a top-three placing.

The well-bred FLANDERS FIELDS (A.P. Indy), out of champion Flanders (Seeking

the Gold), has won two of his last four starts around two turns at Fair Grounds.

The Dallas Stewart trainee finished a good second in the 1 1/16-mile Woodchopper H. on

December 30 and

comes off a daylight victory in a second-level allowance/optional claiming route.

Flanders Fields brings good form into this event and is a threat for all the

money.

COMMANDER BUCK (Deputy Commander) dueled for the early lead before edging

away to a 2 3/4-length victory at this track and trip, earning a 106 BRIS Speed

rating last out. The chestnut likes this surface (9-3-1-3) and must be respected

for a share. PRAYER SERVICE (Stephen Got Even), a solid closer

trained by Bob Holthus, won his seasonal debut at this track and trip and earned

a 113 BRIS Late Pace rating. He rates our sleeper under Calvin Borel.

LIKE AN EAGLE (Victory Gallop) rallied from last to win his seasonal debut at

this distance, then closed gamely to just miss going a mile here last out. The

Steve Hobby-trained four-year-old is an honest sort and is worth a second look.

R'S STAR (Hacker) was an even fourth to Commander Buck in his last start and

will have to improve to factor in this spot. The D. Wayne Lukas-trained CHIPPEWA

TRAIL (General Royal) has good early speed and may try to take this field as

far as he can. He did finish an even fourth in the Razorback two back and could

surprise.