Tokyo City Cup

EL ROBLAR (War Chant), who is three-for-three on the main track and
two-for-two at Santa Anita, rates our top choice in the Tokyo City Cup (G3). An
honest early pace is expected in the nine-furlong Tokyo City, which should aid
El Roblar, who comes off a game, last-to-first effort going one mile over this
surface. The Richard Mandella trainee earned the highest last-race BRIS Speed
figure (103) and looks poised to capture his first graded stakes victory under
Alex Solis, who has ridden him in three of his four career victories.

BULLY HAYES (Sultry Song) took the lead turning for home and then held on
determinedly for third, beaten three-quarters of a length, to the one above last
out. Trained by Bruce Headley, who used to condition El Roblar, Bully Hayes
closed decently for fifth in both the San Antonio H. (G2) and San Pasqual H.
(G2) after just missing in the Native Diver H. (G3). He should make his presence
felt in the drive.

The Bob Baffert-trained PREACHINATTHEBAR (Silver Charm) and SORT IT OUT (Out
of Place) could each come running late for a share. The former finished a good
fourth in the Native Diver and then an even, but wide, fourth in the Santana
Mile H. last out. He is nicely drawn near the outside for a stalk-and-pounce
trip. The latter, who ran in last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1), could come alive
at a good price. He ran a better-than-appears fifth in the San Fernando
Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) two back and has been training forwardly of late.

TEXCESS (In Excess [Ire]) closed fast for third to Lava Man (Slew City Slew)
in the Sunshine Millions Classic and then was a distant sixth to that same foe in
the Santa Anita H. (G1) in his latest. He rates our sleeper and should be
considered for all the marbles. MELANYHASTHEPAPERS (Game Plan) was the runner-up
to 2005 Santa Anita H. (G1) winner Buzzards Bay (Marco Bay) in the All American
H. (G3) at Golden Gate Fields after finishing a non-threatening sixth in the San
Pasqual. He has upset potential.

The speedy TRULY A JUDGE (Judge T C) forced the early pace before running
sixth in the Santana Mile last out. He has back class, can handle the distance
and likes this surface, but his trainer is 0-for-20 this year. CONGRATS (A.P.
Indy), also trained by Mandella, faded to seventh in his return to action in the
San Carlos H. (G2). He might rebound here but could be overbet.

ROMEO PLUS (Arg) (Alpha Plus) exits a front-running victory at this distance
against lesser and can’t be totally ruled out. He was a multiple Group 1 winner
in his native land, breaks from the rail, and goes forth under new rider David
Flores. He is worth a longshot saver. SNORTER (Awesome Again) was a non-factor
at a big price (44-1) in the Santana Mile and is hard to recommend.