The Sir Shackleton

Race 10:  The Sir Shackleton - Seven Furlongs

Brothersoftime The first of two uncoupled runners for the second leading trainer of the meet, Jorge Navarro it's interesting to me that his go-to rider lands here in spite of having chased and lost to the other half of the entry last time out.  Still, the jockey-trainer combination is scoring at a huge 47% at the meet so you have to consider he's live here today despite a 1-for-9 record at the distance.  Mixed feelings.

Yourdreamsormine He's been 30/1, 90/1, 60/1, and 30/1 in his last four starts.  His last win was back in August at 35/1.....would be that kind of surprise.

Grande Shores The eight-year-old veteran has run in four consecutive graded stakes without any success.  His last win was for a $12K tag - not today.

Squadron A He's failed in TEN STRAIGHT nw2x allowance tries, but steps UP to a stakes today?  I don't think so.

Defer Heaven You have to question if this guy has the class to win today's Sir Shackleton.  But what you cannot question is if he will be in front.  He WILL in front as soon as the gates open and considering that he's coming off FIVE straight wire to wire wins, the last four by a combined 20 plus lengths, and that the track traditionally favors speed - especially on a big stakes day like today, I think he kisses this field good-bye and romps home.

Anchor Down He's the "wise guy" play in here.  Most handicappers will see Defer Heaven as the "NOW" horse and the lone speed and make him the favorite.  But Anchor Down goes for Todd Pletcher, with Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez up.  Last time out in the Grade 2 GP Handicap Pletcher runners ran 1-2-3 under the wire with this guy a close third (before being DQ'd).  Third off the layoff today he will be sitting right off of Defer Heaven and if that one has any problems, Anchor Down pulls up the anchor and blows by - at what figures to be a fair price.  Dangerous.

WV Jester He has not run since August and comes off a big disappointment as the favorite at Parx.  So why is Castellano on board?  Looks like he'll be up close early, but he'd be a surprise based on his form. 

Griff Two back he earned a giant 103 speed rating while winning the City of Laurel Stakes.  Then last time out he earned a solid 99 when fourth, beaten only three lengths in the Grade 3 Gulfsteam Park Sprint.  What's really interesting is that the win in the City of Laurel was in November.....of 2014!  To come off that long of a layoff and run nearly as well is remarkable.  You have to wonder if he'll "bounce" off that effort and regress today.  But in that last effort he was chasing the ultra-quick XY Jet who was winning the fourth stakes in a row of the meet.  Strong works since that race.  Could be very dangerous in this spot - adds to the intrigue!

Just Call Kenny shows one victory since the fall of 2014 and goes for a barn that's 0-for-29 at the meet.  No.