Sycamore

TRACK BANDIT 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.