Phoenix

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Inaugurated in 1831, the Phoenix S. (G3) is the oldest stakes race in North

America and will be renewed at Keeneland on Saturday. The six-furlong, $250,000

fixture might play a bigger role than usual in this year's Breeders' Cup Sprint

(G1) as it is one of the few preps contested on a synthetic surface.

RAVALO (Mutakddim), a four-time stakes winner this season, has yet to make a

significant splash against graded company, but his 4-3-1-0 record on synthetics

bodes well for his chances in the Phoenix. Indeed, his only setback occurred

last out when he tried to stretch his speed a mile in the Leeward S. at Presque

Isle Downs, where he tired late to be a clear second. The possibility of a speed

duel is a concern, but it appears Ravalo will at least be outside the other

likely speed in this and might find himself in pressing mode early.

CARNACKS CHOICE (Carson City) is perfect over this course, including a score

over subsequent Aristides S. (G3) winner Indian Chant (Suggest) here in April,

and his lackluster recent form will guarantee a big price. Rene Douglas picks up

the mount.

GREELEY'S CONQUEST (Mr. Greeley) surprised more than a few when the

Midwesterner completed the exacta at 38-1 in the Forego S. (G1) last time, but

the four-year-old had earned decent BRIS Speed ratings in winning small stakes at

Louisiana Downs and Prairie Meadows in his two prior starts. He is a complete

unknown on synthetic surfaces, but few bring this good of form into this race.

NAKAYAMA ARASHI (Is It True), a narrowly beaten second in the Marfa S. at

Turfway Park three weeks ago, loves Polytrack and it would be no surprise to see

him in the mix again. Though he faltered in his only previous start here, he was

entering off a long layoff that day and that allowance turned out to be key with

several next-out winners among the entrants.

The Canadian invaders DISFUNCTION (Vying Victor) and LEGAL MOVE (Bold

Executive) both merit a look as veterans of Polytrack. The former won the Vigil

S. (Can-G3) at Woodbine in the spring while the latter has won four times on

Woodbine's Polytrack this year and is 8-for-14 overall. PICTURAL (El Prado [Ire]), a smart

allowance/optional claiming winner at Del Mar last time, debuts for trainer Richard Dutrow in

this race, but might be overbet on the basis of his connections and his 104

Speed rating in that race. He is clearly in peak form now, but it's hard to

overlook the fact that he's been a starter allowance mainstay for much of this year.

The "name" horse in the Phoenix looks like a bet-against. TALENT SEARCH

(Catienus) placed in the Vosburgh S. (G1), Breeders' Cup Sprint and Frank J. De

Francis Memorial Dash (G1) to conclude his 2007 campaign, but will be making his

belated seasonal debut on Saturday with no experience running on a synthetic

surface. His best would win this, but we just don't see that forthcoming

following the extended break.

SING BABY SING (Unbridled's Song) has been ultra-consistent for the past two

seasons, albeit against softer opposition. The enigmatic Grade 3 winner NOONMARK

(Unbridled's Song) has run extremely well in graded stakes this year, but

strangely has not been able to handle listed foes in his past two. SEMAPHORE MAN

(Formal Gold) had the right to throw in a clunker when unplaced in the Marfa

following a five-month layoff, but the Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) hero still

seems a stronger force on his preferred Oaklawn dirt. Turf performer EMIRATES TO

DUBAI (Storm Cat) is the outsider of this group.