General George J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

A well-matched field of nine will go postward to contest the $300,000 General

George Breeders' Cup H. (G2) on Presidents' Day at Laurel Park. With the lack of

a true standout in the group, we'll search for some value on the top end and

side with WILL HE SHINE (Silver Deputy) from the barn of Dale Romans. The

five-year-old chestnut has never missed the board in eight tries, and had a nice

prep for this when second in the Forego S. over the Polytrack at Turfway. The

talented Kentucky-bred should be forwardly placed throughout, if not on the

lead, and should have enough to hold off this solid group. Kent Desormeaux will

return to his riding roots to pilot the consistent sort.

AH DAY (Malibu Moon) comes off perhaps his finest performance, dominating seven rivals in the Fire Plug S. over this oval

last out. The King

Leatherbury trainee sports a fine 12-7-2-1 mark locally and would be a big

factor with anything resembling his latest effort. The gelded four-year-old will

be guided by Ryan Fogelsonger.

SILVER WAGON (Wagon Limit) is arguably the classiest member of the group and

will likely be bet to favoritism in here for Tony Dutrow. The consistent gray

was a game third in the Sunshine Millions Classic at nine panels most recently

and will cut back to seven furlongs in here, something we think could hinder the

Florida-bred's chances for a top showing. Edgar Prado has the riding

assignment on the six-year-old, whose best race could surely win this.

The Laurel-loving YOUR BLUFFING (Pine Bluff) has racked up a most impressive

27-14-6-2 mark over this surface and is a threat every time he appears at Laurel

for Michael Trombetta. The gelding was disqualified from victory in the recent

Native Dancer S., but should be in the mix late with a repeat of that one. We're

not sure if the seven-year-old is up to tackling graded company, but a top

showing will likely see the Kentucky-bred earning a paycheck under Jose Caraballo.

JUDITHS WILD RUSH (Wild Rush) was placed first in the Native Dancer and is

yet another with a realistic chance at victory in here. The three-time Canadian champion

has performed admirably versus graded foes and has the talent to compete with

these, but we have some concerns over his far outside post at this distance. The

Julian Canet charge will need to secure a sensible trip beneath Julian Pimentel

to enhance his chances.

RYAN'S FOR REAL (Sword Dance [Ire]) has been first or second in five

consecutive outings and is well drawn on the rail in here for John Alecci. The

gelded four-year-old, a full-brother to Grade 3 heroine Friel's For Real and

stakes hero Little Thunder, is certainly in career form and has the pedigree to

challenge this group with any improvement. Dyn Panell will ride the bay.

CITY WEEKEND (Carson City) is a one-run closer who'll likely find this field

a bit much at this stage of his career. The chestnut sports a solid 6-3-0-1

local mark, but appears to be playing for minor awards. MACH SPEED (A.P. Indy)

possesses decent gate speed but has never fared well with this type. GOLD CLUSTER

(Formal Gold) was third at 92-1 in the Fire Plug and would be doing well to hit

the top four in here.