The Ballydoyle pair Crusade and Daddy Long Legs have every chance here as though neither have ever raced on the surface they are by proven dirt stallions and have the form to make a big impact but UNION RAGS can keep the prize at home. Michael Matz's unbeaten colt followed up his Grade 2 win on a sloppy track at Saratoga with victory in a Grade 1 at Belmont last month by over five lengths from tonight's rival Alpha. It will take something special to beat him despite his wide draw. Drill and Creative Cause have beaten each other in turn and both are useful though preference is very much for the latter, who looks a big threat. It's impossible to know what to make of Hansen, who has won two minor races on Polytrack at Turfway Park by the astonishing total of 26l.
Take Charge Indy (USA) 17-4 (8-9) 3 wide, lacked bid, 4th of 16, 4l behind Dullahan (8-9) at Keeneland(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 in Oct.
Dullahan (USA) 16-1 (8-9) Steadied 1st turn, won at Keeneland(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 in Oct beating Majestic City (8-9) by 3/4l, 16 ran.
Crusade (USA) 25-1 (8-12) Tracked leader centre, effort to lead group inside final 2f, soon ridden, challenged 1f out, led inside final furlong, held on, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct beating Lilbourne Lad (8-12) by 3/4l, 16 ran.
Drill (USA) 3-5fav (8-10) Pulled early,2nd best, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Creative Cause (8-10) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m cond stks in Oct.
Hansen (USA) 1-2fav (8-4) Off rail, driving, won at Turfway Park(USA) 1m 2yo stks in Sep beating Fine (8-4) by 13l, 8 ran.
Prospective (USA) 8-1 (8-3) Forced out,drv to lead, won at Woodbine(USA) 1m 2yo stks in Oct beating Lockout (8-3) by 2l, 8 ran.
Creative Cause (USA) 19-10 (8-10) Stalked,bid,drew clear, won at Santa Anita(USA) 1m cond stks in Oct beating Drill (8-10) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Speightscity (USA) 3-1 (8-7) 3w 1st, drift out lane, won at Saratoga(USA) 1m 1f 2yo mdn stks in Sep beating Raconteur (8-7) by 12l, 8 ran.
Alpha (USA) 2-1 (8-10) Carry in st,alter crse, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Union Rags (8-10) at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 in Oct.
Union Rags (USA) 6-5fav (8-10) Wait 5/16-3/16,drw off, won at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 in Oct beating Alpha (8-10) by 5l, 9 ran.
Daddy Long Legs (USA) 11-4 (8-12) Made all, ridden over 2f out, ran on gamely, unchallenged, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo Grp 2 (1) gf in Sep beating Tenth Star (8-12) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Fort Loudon (USA) 2-1fav (8-6) Off rail, drew clear, won at Calder Race Course(USA) 1m cond stks in Oct beating Twin (8-6) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Optimizer (USA) 11-1 (8-9) Middle move off rail, 3rd of 16, 1 3/4l behind Dullahan (8-9) at Keeneland(USA) 1m 2yo Grp 1 in Oct.
