Several maiden winners step up in class including the returning Acre, who won at Saratoga in August but hasn’t raced since. That still looks stronger form than Sonneman’s victory at Belmont in October and Tomcat Black’s success at Tampa but I’LL FIGHT DEMPSEY makes most appeal. Todd Pletcher’s $300,000 colt made a winning debut when returning a clear winner here in February and looks the one to beat on that evidence.
Tomcat Black (USA) 3-5fav (8-8) Tracked btw,bid1/4,clr, won at Tampa Bay Downs 1m mdn fst in Dec beating Mccain (8-8) by 1l, 7 ran.
Diamonds Enjoy (USA) 11-2 (8-4) Battled to wire inside, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Go Uncle Bob (8-12) at Mahoning Valley 1m fst in Feb.
I'll Fight Dempsey (USA) 2-1fav (8-8) Set pace,kept clear, won at Gulfstream 6f mdn fst in Feb beating Candy Machine (8-8) by shd, 10 ran.
Sonneman (USA) 4-1 (8-7) 6w upper, gamely, won at Belmont Park 1m mdn fst in Oct beating Cost Basis (8-7) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Ralston (USA) 17-2 (8-7) Slim lead,headed 5/16p, 5th of 7, 16l behind Americanus (8-7) at Gulfstream 7f fst in Feb.
Golden Candy (USA) 17-10fav (8-8) Chase winner,inside, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Zaino Boyz (8-8) at Gulfstream 6f fst in Mar.
Masterday (USA) 100-1 (8-6) Urged rail 2nd,weaknd, 6th of 10, 13 1/2l behind Ete Indien (8-8) at Gulfstream 1m stks fst in Feb.
Acre (USA) 5-1 (8-7) 3-2p trn,bid3/8,clr1/8, won at Saratoga 1m mdn fst in Aug beating Market Impact (8-7) by shd, 10 ran.
