Slam Dunk hasn't been seen since landing a lucrative maiden in very wet conditions at Churchill Downs in November and this looks a tough ask on her return. GRACEFUL PRINCESS has an even longer absence to overcome but she's moved to Todd Pletcher who will have her ready as she's been impressive breezing at Palm Beach. Her placed efforts here a year ago put her right in the picture. Whispering Beauty, who completed a double for William Haggas last summer, was having only her second start for new connections when placed here in February with Hunting Season behind and should be winning again soon while Shrewdness scored at Wolverhampton for the Newmarket stable and will be better for a promising run on her debut here last month.
Slam Dunk (USA) 3-5fav (8-6) Drew off, geared down, won at Churchill Downs 1m mdn fst in Nov beating Loaded (8-6) by 5 1/2l, 11 ran.
Marialuisa (USA) 13-1 (8-8) Got thru rail, driving, won at Gulfstream 1m mdn fst in Mar beating Rhythm Tree (8-8) by 4 1/4l, 6 ran.
Graceful Princess (USA) 19-10 (8-6) Off pace,2wd 3/16p, 5th of 8, 10 1/4l behind Baccarat Fashion (8-10) at Gulfstream 6f gd in Sep.
Whispering Beauty (USA) 7-5fav (8-9) In aim1/4p,lead 1/8p, 3rd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Beale Street (8-9) at Gulfstream 1m 1f gd in Feb.
Hunting Season (USA) 10-1 (8-9) Solid bump start, last of 7, 20 3/4l behind Beale Street (8-9) at Gulfstream 1m 1f gd in Feb.
Believe Indeed (USA) 5-1 (8-9) 3wd turn, best others, 3rd of 8, 13 3/4l behind Remarkable Soul (8-9) at Gulfstream 1m fst in Mar.
Shrewdness 19-2 (8-8) 4wd 1/4, edging closer, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Dyna Passer (8-8) at Gulfstream 1m 4f gd in Mar.
