River City

Sunday’s $150,000 River City H. (G3) features a field of eight and all own
turf experience except SHANIKO (A.P. Indy), who will make his grass bow for
trainer Todd Pletcher. The four-year-old colt is the lone speed and we’ll tab
him for a wire-to-wire upset.

Listed at 12-1 on the morning line, Shaniko picks up turf specialist Brice
Blanc and looks difficult to reel in if he takes to the lawn. He showed his
class two starts back in the Kentucky Cup Classic (G2), recording a 4 1/2-length
triumph, and he had been very consistent this season prior to an unplaced effort in
the Fayette S. (G3) last out. We’re going to throw that race out and expect a
much-improved performance. Shaniko should be able to crawl up front.

G P FLEET (Northern Afleet) is a horse-for-the-course at Churchill (8-4-3-0)
and captured this event last year at 12-1 odds. Trained by Steve Flint, the
five-year-old gelding has been freshened off a decent effort versus Grade 3
rivals in September and shows some nice works for his return. G P Fleet has
earned BRIS Late Pace ratings of 109 or higher in four of his last nine starts,
and a top effort can be expected at Churchill Downs. Look for him to come
rolling in the stretch.

AMERICA ALIVE (American Chance) also can’t be discounted. The four-year-old
captured the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) in May and kept elite company in
his next four starts. He didn’t have much success, but trainer Neil Howard
dropped the four-year-old colt into a Keeneland allowance last time, and America
Alive responded with a nice score. The confirmed late runner won’t have much
pace up front, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see him challenge with a top
showing.

FORT PRADO (El Prado [Ire]) brings good form into this event, having compiled a
5-1-0 mark from seven starts in 2005, and he must be respected. The gray colt has
notched BRIS Speed ratings as high as 105 this season, and leading rider Rafael
Bejarano will pick up the mount for conditioner Chris Block. Excelling mostly at
a mile or 1 1/16 miles, Fort Prado has never made a start at nine furlongs and
the added distance is a concern, but he remains a threat for it all.

ON THE ACORN (GB) (Inchinor [GB]) is three for five at the distance but will
be tested for class here. The late-running colt has been earning good Speed and
Late Pace numbers in his recent starts against allowance/optional claiming
rivals and could finish up for a share here at long odds. HONOR IN WAR (Lord at
War [Arg]), winner of the 2003 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, is a two-time
winner over the course and does his best running from off the pace. The
six-year-old exits a confidence-building win at Keeneland, his first victory in
nearly 27 months, but he’s far too inconsistent for us to back with confidence.
The classy veteran remains a candidate for the top three.

SEEKING ANSWERS (Ire) (Shinko Forest) didn’t run well in two previous
attempts over the course and probably needs an easier spot to be effective.
GALLO DEL BAR (Chi) (Barkerville) is winless in 10 starts this year and could be
overmatched at this level.