dueled rail, gave way
A trappy heat this. Street Boss is a model of consistency and just about deserves to be favourite while Midnight Lute would come right into it if back to the form that saw him win last year. However it is a big 'if' given a truncated campaign. COST OF FREEDOM looks the safest proposition given he proved himself on this surface when landing the Ancient Title Stakes last time.
Cost of Freedom (USA) (8-12) 4wd,3wd,drift in,held, won at Oak Tree At Sant 6f Grp 1 (1) std in Sept beating Street Boss (8-12) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Street Boss (USA) (8-12) 5wd into st, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Cost of Freedom (8-12) at Oak Tree At Sant 6f Grp 1 (1) std in Sept.
Fabulous Strike (USA) (8-12) Vied off rail, gamely, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Black Seventeen (8-12) at Belmont Park 6f Grp 1 (1) std in Sept.
Midnight Lute (USA) (8-10) Off bit, 10th of 12, 6l behind Lewis Michael (8-6) at Del Mar 7f std in Aug.
First Defence (USA) (8-12) Fought 4w, tired, last of 7, 25l behind Black Seventeen (8-12) at Belmont Park 6f Grp 1 (1) std in Sept.
Black Seventeen (USA) (8-12) Tracked leader, ran on to lead 1f out, stayed on, won at Belmont, 6f Grd1 dirt beating Fabulous Strike (8-12) by hd, 7 ran.
In Summation (USA) (8-12) Waited 1/4,best rest, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Cost of Freedom (8-12) at Oak Tree At Sant 6f Grp 1 (1) std in Sept.
Sing Baby Sing (USA) (8-6) 3 wide mid turn, won at Keeneland 6f Grp 3 (1) std beating Talent Search (8-6) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Fatal Bullet (USA) (8-10) Made all, drew clear, won at Turfway 6f Grd3 poly beating Silver Sword (8-6) by 8l, 9 ran.