Sycamore J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

A full field will contest Thursday's Sycamore S. (G3) at Keeneland, and our

top choice, WINCHESTER (Theatrical [Ire]), is stuck on the far outside in post

12. His starting position is less than ideal, but the four-year-old still rates

top billing.

Winner of the 2008 Secretariat S. (G1), Winchester raced only twice more last

season, recording unplaced efforts in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) and Hollywood

Turf Cup (G1), and didn't make his 2009 bow until August, returning with a sixth

versus allowance/optional claiming rivals. The Christophe Clement runner

continued to show more in his last start, a second to Grand Couturier (GB)

(Grand Lodge) in the Bowling Green H. (G2), and he won't face any rivals of that

caliber in this spot. Ramon Dominguez will return to the saddle aboard the

talented colt.

AMERICAIN (Dynaformer) has been well-backed at the windows in both U.S.

appearances, the Sword Dancer Invitational (G1) and Bowling Green, but didn't

show much either time. This spot is less ambitious for the French Group 2

winner, and we like the fact that he has a bullet workout in preparation. The

four-year-old is a candidate to turn things around with a much better effort,

and we like the addition of Julien Leparoux in the saddle.

CLOUDY'S KNIGHT (Lord Avie) is a logical win candidate for Jonathan Sheppard.

The 2007 Canadian champion turf horse appeared to have lost it last season,

recording four unplaced finishes, and he was out of action for more than a year

before showing up in the Kentucky Cup Turf (G3) at Kentucky Downs last out on

September 19. That was the nine-year-old gelding's first start for the Hall of

Famer Sheppard, and Cloudy's Knight responded with a convincing 2 1/2-length

triumph. He looks like a potential underlay off that effort, but we won't be

surprised to see the chestnut continue his winning ways under Rosemary Homeister

Jr.

Defending champion ALWAYS FIRST (GB) (Barathea [Ire]) is a hard-knocking

veteran for Tom Voss. The eight-year-old gelding didn't show much in his last

start at Saratoga, but he won the 2008 Sycamore off a disappointing effort at

Kentucky Downs. The late runner shows a steady set of works for his return from

a freshening, and he's well-drawn in post 7 with Shaun Bridgmohan. It's

difficult to count him out of top three consideration. GENTLEMAN CHESTER

(Chester House) is another contender for a minor award. He doesn't like to win,

but the five-year-old gets part often, recording a commendable second to Just as

Well (A.P. Indy) in the Arlington H. (G3) three starts back. The Ralph Hicks

trainee has given a good account of himself in his last two starts at marathon

distances, and he'll look to come running late here beneath Robby Albarado.

MEDJOOL (Monarchos) has a shot if he draws in from the also-eligibles list.

Third in the Sky Classic (Can-G2) two back, the Canadian invader has posted

century-topping BRIS Speed ratings in his last two efforts against better

rivals. The four-year-old has been transferred to Merrill Scherer, who is

enjoying a fine meet so far at Keeneland, and we'll use him in the exotics if he

gets in the field. FREE FIGHTER (Out of Place) exits a couple of wins at

Arlington for Chris Block, including a 10-1 upset in the Stars & Stripes

Turf H. (G3)

at the distance, but the Illinois-bred will be facing a deeper cast in his

Keeneland debut. He's still one to consider for the exotics given his

commendable present form.

TIGER WOODMAN (Woodman) dropped his last start versus $50,000 claimers at

Saratoga, but the deep closer has had some success over the sod at Keeneland,

winning his last two attempts. He's probably in too deep against graded rivals,

but his affinity for the course makes him an intriguing contender for the bottom

of the tri's and super's at long odds. YATE'S BLACK CAT (Black Minnaloushe) owns

a nice record over the course (3-1-2-0), but we would prefer his chances at

shorter distances.

TIMELESS FASHION (Sky Classic) was no factor in the Kentucky Cup Classic (G2)

last time. He owns a respectable turf mark (3-2-0-1), but 12 furlongs looks too

far for the five-year-old gelding. CABERNEIGH (E Dubai) could also find 1 1/2

miles too taxing. RUMOR HAS IT (Awesome Again) and REZIF (Distant View) don't

look fast enough to challenge.

GUADALCANAL (Graeme Hall) and SUNSHINE KID (Lemon Drop Kid) are both on the

also-eligibles list, and we can't recommend their chances if they make the

line-up.