LeComte

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

STORM SURGE (Storm Cat) appears to be the controlling speed in Saturday's

$100,000 LeComte S. (G3) and is difficult to go against. The dark bay colt

showed an affinity for the Fair Grounds oval when easily winning the six-furlong

Sugar Bowl S. last out, earning a field-best 100 BRIS Speed rating, and the

Dallas Stewart trainee faces a mostly unproven group of rivals. Storm Surge may

struggle with longer distances against better company, but we'll look for smooth

sailing at a mile on Saturday.

KANSAS CITY BOY (Boston Harbor) finally put it all together when dominating a

maiden special weight event by 8 1/4 lengths at Churchill Downs and has trained

forwardly since then in Florida for conditioner Kenny McPeek. His Speed and BRIS Pace

numbers increased when stretching out to two turns for the first time in his

last start and Kansas City Boy may continue to show more against winners. We

give him the best chance at an upset.

BILOXI PALACE (Seattle Slew) may have lost his focus when swooping to a clear

lead in an optional-claiming event last time because he shortened stride and was

almost caught on the wire. That was his first start at a route and we can

understand those who will question him at a route, but the Dan Peitz charge

gained valuable experience and may continue to show more off that effort,

especially when traveling only eight furlongs like he will on Saturday. From the

last crop of sire Seattle Slew, Biloxi Palace has run at Fair Grounds

(two-for-two) and owns a good shot at a top three finish here.

SILVER HAZE (Silver Deputy) exits a game allowance score over the track and

has run well at a mile (2-1-1-0). The stalker will need to improve to be a

factor at this level, but a top three placing could be within his grasp. SMOOTH

BID (Rubiano) gets the services of Jerry Bailey and has won his last two starts,

but the Steve Asmussen-trained gray steps up in company off his last win at

Remington Park. The late runner could close for a small slice, but he's never

earned a Speed rating higher than 86 and we'll go against here. MAJOR LEAGUE

(Magic Cat) has never won on the dirt and comes off a very dull showing at Delta

Downs. He could find this company too difficult.