Pennsylvania Derby

Tracy Framer's SUN KING (Charismatic) takes top billing in the $750,000

Pennsylvania Derby (G2) at Philadelphia Park on Labor Day. Although, we respect

the horse and acknowledge that he has a big shot, we will look elsewhere for the

winner.

SOUTHERN AFRICA (Cape Town) was last seen running seventh in the Arlington

Classic (G3) in a turf experiment, but the colt returns to the surface he

prefers and looks quite capable of bagging the top prize. The Mike Puhich

trainee was successful in the Lone Star Derby (G3) three prior and ran a better

than it looks Belmont S. (G1) two back, leading us to believe he belongs with

this type. Expect the three-year-old to be prominent throughout beneath Tyler

Baze.

Sun King was a sharp second in the Haskell Invitational (G1) last try and

appears to be in top form for conditioner Nick Zito. The dark bay is classy and very consistent, but tends to come up short against top competition as of

late. We feel the colt could win, but prefer him on the bottom of exotics

with jockey Rafael Bejarano.

QUADRANT (Boundary) is well drawn on the rail and comes off a fine

performance against elders at Saratoga. The gelded Michael Matz charge has

tactical speed and should work out a dream trip on the rail slightly off the

pace. We'll use the bay in all exotics at a big price.

SMOKESCREEN (Smoke Glacken) is a question mark at nine furlongs, but the gray

colt has a consistent late kick and could benefit from the blinkers off for this

one. Runner-up in the Sir Barton S. three prior, the sophomore could be primed for

a big effort for trainer Ben Perkins Jr.

REAL DANDY (Yankee Victor) circled the field last-to-first in the West

Virginia Derby (G3) in earning his initial stakes victory last out for Steve

Asmussen. There will likely be some speed to run at in here, but it won't be

easy to duplicate his last, and we'll keep him on the bottom of gimmicks.

INDY STORM (A. P. Indy), coupled in the wagering with Sun King, has no early

speed and is drawn in the 10 hole, compromising his chances for the win. The

late runner always passes some horses in the lane, but we can't see a scenario

that puts him in the winners' circle.

NETWORK (Pulpit) was a head from six straight tallies for Thomas Broome, and

has certainly earned a start in this field. The late bloomer has handled both

dirt and turf equally well, and he's not without a shot at a nice payday, but we

prefer his use on the bottom of exotics. TANI MARU (Cherokee Run), GOLDEN

RAINBOW (Seeking the Gold), ANTHONY J (Tiger Ridge) and LETTERMAN'S HUMOR

(Distorted Humor) all are solid horses in decent form and could challenge for a

top four placing.

UNITED (Dixie Union), QUIET MONEY (Seattle Slew) and IT'S TIME TO SMILE (Ops

Smile) all appear overmatched at this juncture.