Jefferson Cup

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Nine sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs turf in

Saturday's $100,000 Jefferson Cup S. (G3). We'll tab the improving OUR DOUGLAS

(Stormy Atlantic) for the win from the Tom Proctor barn. We're not sure what the

chestnut ran down last time, but we really liked the way the colt powered home

over a good Churchill course last out. We acknowledge that he's rising in class

but will stick with him and Alex Solis.

Grand Canyon H. victor LOST APTITUDE (Aptitude) stopped abruptly in the

American Turf S. (G2) last out but seems more than capable of bouncing back with

a good race for Dale Romans. The bay colt, who just missed at odds-on in the

Tropical Park Derby (G3) earlier this campaign, will likely try to control this

race from the outset and surely can with his best. Garrett Gomez has the ride.

American Turf runner-up ASPHALT (War Chant) has been in the hunt in

every start this season and will likely be again for trainer Eddie Kenneally.

The Florida-bred colt has been second in both tries on the Churchill lawn and

has very good tactical speed, which could get him first run on the closers in

the lane. Jose Lezcano has the assignment.

DONT TELL KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) has reeled off three straight wins

for high-percentage conditioner Wayne Catalano and is another who looks like a

top-three player. The improving dark bay has been beating lesser foes, but he's

won each by a clear margin and seems well spotted to make a run against this

field, regardless of the condition of the turf.

FORMULAFORSUCCESS (Broken Vow), who was claimed for $50,000 two back, was a

close fourth against a solid field of elders last out and could be in the mix

late at a nice price. The John Pucek trainee is pretty consistent and not that

far off the top ones in here, so we would include the intriguing three-year-old.

GUYS REWARD (Grand Reward), third in both the American Turf and Transylvania S. (G3)

for Romans, shows only one win from 11 career starts, but the bay should not be

dismissed from the gimmicks. The closer looks a bit below the best in here but will be

running late with Robby Albarado.

Arlington Classic S. third GLEAM OF HOPE (City Zip) hasn't won in six

straight but has held well versus some fine foes and makes sense in this spot

for trainer Tony Reinstedler. The chestnut colt has a nice turn of foot but

landed in a spot that will hurt his chances for a deep rally. In any event, we still like

him for the vertical plays. E.T. Baird will be in the irons.

PSYCHIC INCOME (Toccet) has improved his BRIS Speed figures in three straight and

was a fine allowance winner over this turf last out, but we'd still like to see

the Ken McPeek charge do it again before we buy into him. SCOTTKEITH'SKITTEN (Kitten's Joy) would be a surprise.