Remsen (G2)

Saturday’s nine-furlong Remsen S. (G2) features a clash
between a pair of undefeated two-year-olds who could emerge as
leading contenders for next year’s Kentucky Derby (G1). ROCKPORT
HARBOR (Unbridled’s Song) and GALLOPING GROCER (A. P Jet) have
each won three starts by a combined 22 1/2 lengths and 31 3/4
lengths, respectively, and we’re going to give the nod to the
former due to his last-out victory over the Aqueduct main track.

Trained by John Servis, who also conditioned this year’s
probable three-year-old champion Smarty Jones, the gray colt drew
off through the lane to win the one-mile Nashua S. (G3) by a
widening 6 1/4 lengths over Defer (Danzig), who came back to win
the Laurel Futurity (G3). Rockport Harbor has excellent early
speed and is tactically drawn near the inside of this two-turn
event.

Galloping Grocer, who also has excellent early speed, drew the
outside post after crushing fellow New York-breds by 7 1/2
lengths in the one-mile Sleepy Hollow S. at Belmont Park. He
figures to give ground to his primary rival around the first
turn, and maybe the second turn as well, and therefore rates our
second choice.

KILLENAULE (Fusaichi Pegasus) comes off three straight
victories around two turns and is a seasoned youngster having
finished in the money in all eight of his starts. He should play
a part for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Jerry Bailey.

PAVO (Marquetry) exits a five-length score over maidens going
one mile over this surface. He represents the recently hot
Jennifer Pedersen barn and could get a minor share with
improvement.

FATHER WEIST (Pulpit) has had trouble going around the first
turn in a pair of route races but gets the ever-dangerous Rafael
Bejarano aboard. STORMY JIM (High Yield) comes off a pair of
victories but looks a cut below some of these.