Mac Diarmida J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) runner-up PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) looks like

the controlling speed in Sunday's $150,000 Mac Diarmida S. (G2). He recorded a

wire-to-wire decision in last year's edition of the 1 3/8-mile turf affair, his

fourth career victory over Gulfstream Park's turf course, and went on to win a

second consecutive United Nations (G1) and the Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf

Championship (G1) before his stellar performance in the Breeders' Cup. The

seven-year-old gelding threw in a clunker last time, weakening to fifth after

facing early pressure in the W. L. McKnight H. (G2), but he appears more than

capable of rebounding with a win in the spot. Elvis Trujillo rides the Mary

Hartmann trainee.

WINCHESTER (Theatrical [Ire]) hasn't visited the winner's circle since

capturing the 2008 Secretariat (G1) in his stateside debut, but the Christophe

Clement charge appears to be rounding back into form. He recorded pair of

commendable runner-up finishes in the Bowling Green H. (G2) and Sycamore S. (G3)

prior to concluding 2009 with a fast-closing third in the McKnight, and the

five-year-old horse owns top BRIS Speed and Late Pace numbers. Winchester could

be along in time if the top choice falters.

EXPANSION (Maria's Mon) exits a win in his stakes bow, the Red Smith H. (G2)

at this distance, and picks up the services of Julien Leparoux. The Chad Brown

runner owns exceptional BRIS Late Pace ratings of 123 and 112 in his recent

starts, and he's shown the ability to close effectively off a slow pace. The

five-year-old will likely be running late here and looms as a logical top three

candidate.

GABRIEL'S HILL (A.P. Indy) shows a couple of strong efforts on the turf and

dirt this meet and figures to sit a good stalking trip behind the pacesetter

with his tactical speed. He's stepping up in class slightly, but enters on the

upswing for trainer Seth Benzel, who is enjoying a good meet from a limited

number of starters. The intriguing six-year-old merits consideration for the

bottom of the gimmicks. French stakes winner and Group 1-placed FEELS ALL RIGHT

(Ire) (Danehill Dancer) will make his U.S. debut under the direction of new

conditioner Patrick Biancone and gets first-time Lasix. The four-year-old colt

might need a start off the bench, but we can't completely dismiss his chances

beneath Corey Nakatani.

BEARPATH (Dynaformer) received a 109 BRIS Late Pace rating when rallying late

to an allowance score last time, but we'll give the four-year-old a start

against stakes rivals. THOU SWELL (Aptitude) is a fine finisher, netting 110 and

103 BRIS Late Pace figures in his last two outings, but the extended distance is

a big concern for us. SR. HENRY (Straight Man) snapped a zero-for-11 mark on

turf when capturing an allowance/optional claiming heat last out and faces a

class check here.

IMAWILDANDCRAZYGUY (Wild Event) is entered for the main-track only and

probably won't get out of the barn.