Amsterdam

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Florida Derby (G1) hero QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) will make his much
anticipated return to racing in Monday’s $150,000 Amsterdam S. (G2) at Saratoga.
The ultra-talented sophomore will be making his debut for trainer Todd Pletcher
after being brilliantly handled by Jimmy Jerkens. Not many have been higher on
this horse than we have, but this is a tricky spot for his return and we’ll take
a chance against at short odds.

Three-time graded stakes star CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN (Candy Ride [Arg]) turned
heads when destroying a maiden field in his debut at the Spa last summer and
hasn’t stopped since, winning five of eight overall for Ian Wilkes. The gelded
bay has never lost a race at less than one mile and he’s been freshened for this
event, so we feel compelled to side with the Kentucky-bred. The versatile
sophomore has excellent gate speed but can sit just off the early tempo if
needed, and the outside draw should be perfect for this particular animal.
Javier Castellano will guide the winner.

Quality Road has as much or more ability than anyone in this field and would
not surprise under John Velazquez. We just feel that this seems like the right
time to try and upend the colt, who might go off odds-on against this talented
group.

Grade 3 hero EVERYDAY HEROES (Awesome Again) had his unbeaten streak snapped
when second in the Woody Stephens S. (G2) last out to the dynamic Munnings (Speightstown)
and rates a big chance in here under Alan Garcia. Formerly trained by Tim
Ritchey and now in the hands of Kiaran McLaughlin, the Kentucky-bred bay has
excellent tactical speed and a strong closing kick, so if he can negotiate a
good trip along the rail, he’ll be right there at the wire.

CABARET COWBOY (Speightstown) showed a new tactic in a sharp allowance tally
at Belmont last out, closing from last to win going away. The improving chestnut
has finished in the exacta on four straight occasions, all at Belmont Park
following an unplaced debut at this venue. The Seth Benzel charge might be a cut
below the best in here, but he could rally for a share at a price.

CUSTOM FOR CARLOS (More Than Ready) dominated the Jersey Shore S. (G3) at
Monmouth last out and earned a solid 107 BRIS Speed rating for conditioner Eddie
Kenneally. The bay colt has never run a bad race and seems to be going in the
right direction, but he only toppled three others last out and will need to be
at least as good as he showed last time to challenge in here beneath Julien
Leparoux.

CAPTAIN CHEROKEE (Sir Cherokee) lost his last pair by a combined 28 3/4
lengths and can’t be backed in this spot.