Tokyo City Cup

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

PHILATELIST (Rahy) missed by a neck when making his U.S. bow in the San

Antonio H. (G2) last time and has found a good spot to earn his first stakes

victory in Saturday's $100,000 Tokyo City Cup H. (G3). The six-year-old displayed

good tactical speed in the San Antonio and could wind up showing the way with no

front runners in the field, and he owns experience at the 1 1/2-mile distance in

England. The Humberto Ascanio trainee looks formidable with Rafael Bejarano.

RENDEZVOUS (Victory Gallop) merits respect off his fifth in the Santa Anita

H. (G1) last time and could have a say in the final outcome on Saturday. Winner

of the grassy Del Mar Derby (G2), the Jerry Hollendorfer runner ran well when

trying the Pro-Ride three starts back, recording a third in the San Fernando S.

(G2), and shows a six-furlong bullet work in preparation for this start. The

four-year-old will look to rally from just off the pace under Joel Rosario.

EAGLE POISE (Empire Maker) was rank during the early stages of the Big 'Cap

and spit the bit early, but he ran much better when fifth in the Strub S. (G2)

two back and should appreciate the class relief in this spot.  A solid

Canadian performer over the Polytrack last season, the Bill Mott-conditioned

four-year-old owns respectable BRIS numbers and looms as a possible upset

candidate.

UNUSUAL SUSPECT (Unusual Heat) won the 1 1/2-mile Cougar II H. at Del Mar

last summer, but the deep closer could leave himself too much to do behind a

slow pace in this spot. The Barry Abrams charge ranks first in BRIS Prime Power

(140.2) and remains a serious threat to come running late for a minor award, but

he won't offer much value at a likely short price.

HIGH COURT DRAMA (Ire) (Theatrical [Ire]) wheels right back from a troubled

effort in the grassy San Luis Rey H. (G2) and did display commendable form on

synthetics when finishing second in the Native Diver H. (G3) three starts back,

but we can't get too enthused about his chances at this distance. SNOWMASTER

(Maria's Mon) will be tested for class in his stakes debut. He exits an

encouraging victory over entry-level allowance/optional claiming rivals, but the

chestnut doesn't own much tactical speed and is a serious question mark at 12

furlongs.

QUINDICI MAN (Came Home) would probably appreciate less ground, and his best

efforts last season came on dirt and turf. Former claimer TAP IT LIGHT (General

Meeting) is probably too slow to challenge.