Woodward

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

After suffering his first loss of the season in the Whitney H. (G1), QUALITY

ROAD (Elusive Quality) will look to rebound in Saturday's $750,000 Woodward S.

(G1). The Todd Pletcher-trained colt ran a big race last time on Saratoga's

opening-weekend, but he was nailed by Blame (Arch) in the final strides, losing

by a head while giving his rival five pounds. There are no rivals of Blame's

ability in the Woodward and Quality Road will be at equal weights (126 pounds)

with his six foes.

Quality Road wound up setting a moderate pace in the Whitney, but trainer

Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez would prefer to see the four-year-old

tracking an early target. The presence of the speedy ARCODORO (Medaglia d'Oro)

satisfies that need, and we expect to see Quality Road bounce back in convincing

fashion.

TRANQUIL MANNER (A.P. Indy) showed a liking for the Saratoga main track when

capturing an allowance/optional claiming event at this nine-furlong distance on August 11,

closing powerfully to win going away. The four-year-old registered a career-best

100 BRIS Speed rating, as well as a whopping 128 Late Pace number, and we give

him a solid chance to carry that form forward in the Woodward. The Kiaran

McLaughlin pupil isn't fast enough to challenge the top choice, but he can rally

late for runner-up honors.

Suburban H. (G2) runner-up CONVOCATION (Pulpit) didn't impress us with his

hard-fought win over a suspect field of allowance/optional claiming rivals last

time, but we'll still use the Jimmy Jerkens runner in the top three. With BRIS

Speed ratings of 104 (twice), 103 and 102 this season, the four-year-old has

posted the second-highest numbers in the field, and the bay colt shows a nice

half-mile breeze this week in preparation.

MYTHICAL POWER (Congaree) would rate serious top three consideration with

better form, but his last three attempts have been pretty disappointing. The Bob

Baffert trainee shows a sharp five-furlong drill over the track and will have

Martin Garcia in to ride from Southern California, but we'll let him outperform

our expectations.

MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone) has trained forwardly in advance of his third

start off the layoff and the possibility of showers Friday night could benefit

the 2009 Kentucky Derby (G1) upsetter. However, the four-year-old gelding could

improve significantly off his last two starts without making an impact; he's run

too slow for us to recommend his chances here. Arcodoro doesn't figure to

sustain his speed and INDIAN DANCE (Indian Charlie) looks overmatched off a dull

fourth in the Majestic Light S. at Monmouth Park.