Maker's Mark Mile J

Friday's $250,000 Maker's Mark Mile S. (G2) marks the 2007 debut for SHOWING

UP (Strategic Mission), who established himself as a top turf runner last season

with victories in the Hollywood Derby (G1), Secretariat S. (G1), Jamaica

Breeders' Cup H. (G2) and Colonial Turf Cup S. His only setback on the grass

came when stretching out to 1 3/8 miles and taking on older horses in the Man o' War S. (G1), where he

still managed a respectable third behind Cacique (Ire), and Showing Up appears

set for a terrific four-year-old season.

The Barclay Tagg-trained colt recorded outstanding BRIS Speed and Late Pace

numbers last year, and he's working forwardly for his return, drilling six

furlongs in a bullet 1:11 4/5 13 days ago. The one-mile trip is a bit of

concern, with most of his starts coming at longer distances, and we can't

guarantee that he won't be a little rusty against an outstanding group of rivals

in his Keeneland turf debut. But Showing Up is too talented for us to go

against. He owns an excellent turn of foot and should be close during the early

stages with his tactical speed. We expect him to finish strongly after being

given the

cue by Cornelio Velasquez.

BAYEUX (Red Ransom) has been a tough-luck second in his last two efforts,

just missing the win in the final jumps, after opening his U.S. campaign with a

nice win in the River City H. (G3) three starts back. Conditioned by Patrick

Biancone, the fast-closing gelding is a threat to put it all together on Friday

under Julien Leparoux, but there isn't an overabundance of speed in the line-up.

We still have the utmost respect for this talented miler.

KIP DEVILLE (Kipling) recorded a sharp win in the one-mile Bryan Station S.

in October at Keeneland and boasts a sterling mark at the distance on turf

(6-5-0-0),

registering a neck score in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1) most recently. He

earned a 104 Speed and 103 Late Pace rating for that stellar effort, and Edgar Prado

will pick up the mount on the dangerous Richard Dutrow runner. The gray

four-year-old drew the far outside post, but Kip Deville can use his speed to

avoid going too wide into the first turn. It's easy to envision him having a say

in the outcome.

REMARKABLE NEWS (Ven) (Chayim) is one to consider for the exotics. He's run

twice at Keeneland, recording a convincing allowance score last April and a good

second in the Shadwell Turf Mile S. (G1) in October, and he received a tightener

for this event, winning a Gulfstream allowance/optional claimer last out for Angel Penna Jr. The

five-year-old horse will be forwardly placed from the start under Rene Douglas,

and his affinity for the course is an advantage.

OLD DODGE (Brz) (Dodge) finished third in the Shadwell Turf Mile and tuned up

for Friday's appearance with a solid third in the Appleton H. (G3) at Gulfstream

Park. Considering his strong effort over the course six months ago, Old Dodge

can't be dismissed from consideration for a minor award. But he's in tough here.

SKY CONQUEROR (Sky Classic) won three straight before concluding 2006 with a

third in the Canadian International S. (Can-G1), and the Darwin Banach trainee

was voted champion turf horse in Canada. The five-year-old owns top-notch

figures, but he's done his best running at Woodbine and finished third versus

allowance rivals in his last start at Keeneland. Sky Conqueror did get very good

last fall, but we'll give him a race in this spot.

PURIM (Dynaformer) tired to fifth in the Mineshaft H. (G3) on the main track

last time, but the five-year-old has some back class on the grass. However, this

company is probably too difficult. FREE THINKING (Unbridled) finished second in

the Kelso Breeders' Cup H. (G2) and Firecracker Breeders' Cup H. (G2) last year,

and he's trained well at Turfway for his first appearance this season. However,

the six-year-old could find himself overmatched here. STORM CALLER (Stormy

Atlantic) doesn't look good enough to be competitive.