Jefferson Cup

Saturday's Jefferson Cup S. (G3) begins an all-stakes Pick 6 at Churchill

Downs. Only eight sophomores were entered in the nine-furlong turf test, and the

New York invader BIG PRAIRIE (Danzig) rates our top choice.

Trained by George "Rusty" Arnold, Big Prairie has shown a strong finishing

kick in both his career starts. In his most recent outing, the bay fought for

the lead along the inside in mid stretch before finishing a close fourth against

a good group of first level allowance types going 8 1/2 furlongs on the grass at

Belmont Park. The winner of the race, Interpatation (Langfuhr), previously won

the Palm Beach S. (G3), and the third-place runner, Argento (More Than Ready),

was sent postward as the favorite in the Jersey Derby in his next start. Prior

to that, Big Prairie rallied from mid pack to break his maiden at first asking

going 8 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Gulfstream Park. Big Prairie is a well-bred,

up-and-coming turf runner. Moreover, he attracts leading rider Rafael Bejarano

and could offer good value at 5-1 on the morning line.

GUN SALUTE (Military) finished a close sixth in the Palm Beach, then pressed

the early issue from the outside with first-time Lasix and blinkers before

drawing off to 2 1/2-length victory in the nine-furlong Forerunner S. at

Keeneland, earning a 97 BRIS Speed rating. Trained by Bill Mott, the grandson of

Danzig has been working right along since and rates a top threat.

Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) runner-up RUSH BAY (Cozzene) was on the Triple

Crown trail earlier this year. The bay colt just missed in his turf debut,

finishing second by a nostril in the 8 1/2-furlong American Turf S. (G3) over

this course on Oaks Day. The Tom Amoss trainee was a natural to relish the grass

given his male line and goes without the hood this time. He rates a primary

contender, but could be overbet.

MESAWMI (Lemon Drop Kid) broke his maiden on the front end going long for a

$30,000 tag in his debut, then closed determinedly to win a 1 1/16-mile

allowance in his turf debut over this course last out. The grandson of Kingmambo,

out of Grade 3 winner Theresa the Teacha (Cure the Blues), has yet to lose and

goes under Orlando Mojica, who is one of the best-kept secrets on the circuit. Mesawmi rates our upset special at 10-1 on the morning line.

Forerunner runner-up MAD ADAM (Service Stripe) came back to win the 8

1/2-furlong U.S.A. S. at Lone Star Park over yielding ground in his most recent

start. He ships in from Michigan and could go forth as an underlay beneath Pat

Day. We're siding with others. CHATHAM STRAIT (Deputy Minister) finished an even

fifth in the Forerunner, then a close third in a nine-furlong allowance over

this course last out. The Joan Scott trainee has some upset potential at large

odds.

FRANKLIN'S TOWER (Cape Town) could be in the mix early from the inside, but

would have to improve to factor here. GROUND CONTROL (Golden Missile) broke his

maiden over this course in his 10th career start and would seem unlikely.