Raven Run

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A full field of 14 sophomore fillies will contest Saturday's $300,000 Raven

Run S. (G2) at Keeneland, and CAPOTE'S CROWN (Capote) will be making her first

start for Todd Pletcher in the seven-furlong event. Winner of the Queen of Song

S. three races back at Belmont Park, the bay filly squared off against Grade 1

rivals in her last two outings, recording a good fourth, beaten three lengths,

in the seven-furlong Test S. (G1) most recently. Capote's Crown owns the right

running style for the Polytrack, and the stalker can be along in time under

Chris DeCarlo.

CHEROKEE JEWEL (Cherokee Run) finished a decent fourth when making her graded

bow in the Victory Ride S. (G3) last out and is one of the fastest members in

the field with triple-digit BRIS Speed ratings in her last two starts. She's

never raced past six furlongs, but the lightly raced lass could still have a say

in the final outcome. Cherokee Jewel is a major threat from just off the pace.

SABATINI (Five Star Day) has been training well at Keeneland, recording

bullet moves in her last two works, and the Patrick Biancone pupil merits

serious respect on Saturday. The bay filly didn't fire last time out, but the Grade

1-placed lass turned in a very encouraging performance two starts back. Jockey Julien Leparoux is on fire at Keeneland, and Sabatini should be rolling late.

LEAH'S SECRET (Tiger Ridge) is an intriguing prospect for the exotics at long

odds. Winner of the Lazer Show H. at Churchill this summer, the dark bay exits a

decent effort against much stiffer competition in the Weekend Delight S. at Turfway Park. Leah's Secret may continue to show more here with a top three

finish.  MORNER (Broken Vow) finished second in the Weekend Delight and has

the class to be a serious factor on Saturday. The David Vance trainee hasn't run

well at seven furlongs previously, but she's doing very well presently and could

make her presence felt.

WINDY (Wild Rush) is the morning line favorite at 3-1, but we're not taking a

short price on the Cal-bred. A six-furlong allowance/optional claiming winner at

Del Mar last out, Windy faltered when stretching out to seven furlongs

previously, and she'll face a stiff class check here. We'll let the late runner

beat us.

ORIGINAL SPIN (Distorted Humor) has been too inconsistent for us to have much

confidence in her chances. Woodbine shipper VESTREY LADY (Vicar) will show speed

under regular rider James McAleney, but front runners haven't fared well over

the new track. MY LUCKY FREE (Mazel Trick) is in good form presently, but the

speedball appears more comfortable at six furlongs. CHANDELLE NO. FIVE (Yes It's

True) could add to the pace, but we'll just watch to see how she handles her

graded debut.

EX CAELIS (Fusaichi Pegasus) showed promise at two, but she was no factor

against allowance rivals last time and probably needs an easier spot to be

effective. LAKE ALICE (Mt. Livermore) owns some back class, but she hasn't run

well in her last three starts, including a poor showing last time over the

all-weather track at Turfway Park. She's difficult to recommend. JAZZY OKIE

(King of Scat) and STARRY PIE (Pioneering) will both need to improve

significantly to challenge.