River City - J

AMERICAN GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

A talented field of 10 will go postward in Friday's $100,000 River City H.

(G3) over the Churchill turf course. KARELIAN (Bertrando), a dead-heat winner of

this event in 2008, comes off of a decent try in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) and

gets top billing from this corner. Conditioned by Rusty Arnold, the gelded bay

is perfect in three tries over this strip and put in a monstrous effort two

prior at Keeneland when just missing in a stellar field, finishing second by a

nose in the Shadwell Mile (G1). Karelian's posted triple-digit BRIS Speed

ratings in his last three starts, and we expect to see the seven-year-old

tracking the early pace before wearing down the leaders with Rajiv Maragh.

Smart New York-bred BANROCK (Go for Gin) has surged to three straight

victories against Empire State foes and will tackle open company in here for

trainer Tom Bush. The gelded six-year-old, who has won eight of his last

fourteen outings over the past two campaigns, has run well against this type of

field in the past and looks like a live one with the cozy rail draw. We'll tab

the bay for a top-three finish under Kent Desormeaux.

The classy RAHY'S ATTORNEY (Crown Attorney) has been ambitiously placed this

season and could benefit from a slight class drop on this day for trainer Ian

Black. Winner of the 2008 Woodbine Mile (Can-G1), the Canadian turf champion

comes in off of a handy tally versus fellow Canadians at Woodbine and has posted

a pair of useful drills in readying for this event. We'd absolutely love the

five-year-old gelding if there is turf comes up soft or yielding, but we'll try

to upend him for the win assuming it will be firm. Robert Landry has the call.

SIMMARD (Dixieland Band) has looked good in both wins in 2009, registering a

career-best 100 BRIS Speed rating last time, and has never been better for

conditioner Roger Attfield. The late-developing four-year-old was especially

impressive when dusting allowance foes in his four-year-old debut in September

and should be plenty fit off his solid victory at 10 panels. The dangerous

chestnut will have Shaun Bridgmohan in the irons.

PLEASANT STRIKE (Smart Strike) is in very good form for Todd Pletcher and

could surprise with a top-three finish at a nice price. A close second in both

the Cliff Hanger S. (G3) and Red Bank S. (G3) in the Garden State in his last

pair, the steady five-year-old should have a lively tempo to run at and could

pass some tired horses to get into the mix beneath Chris DeCarlo. Multiple

stakes star WHEELS UP AT NOON (Outflanker) has raced just once in 2009, checking

in seventh in the Red Smith H. (G2), but the fitness he received from that event

should get him closer on this occasion. We'll use the five-year-old in some of

our gimmicks wagers at a square number.

CRYPTOLIGHT (Fantastic Light) should not be totally dismissed for the exotics

at what should be a huge price from the widest post. The five-year-old bay has

finished in the top three in four of five career turf attempts against decent

competition and could add spice on the lower rungs of the vertical plays. We've

never been that high on Grade 1 hero WICKED STYLE (Macho Uno), but we do respect

the consistency that the four-year-old has found as of late for Arnold. The

Florida-bred has good tactical speed and tries hard, but we'll try to beat him

in this contentious spot.

RAHYSTRADA (Rahy) doesn't look good enough to make any impact against this

deep bunch. Cliff Hanger upsetter BRAVE TIN SOLDIER (Storm Cat) has failed to

live up to his luscious pedigree and must be omitted in our minds.