MICI’S EXPRESS
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Feb. 20, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 66
Comeback claiming veteran lagged off pace in sprint, lost ground on turn, went evenly in race dominated by speed. Useful comeback by 5-year-old who is likely to improve second start back.
VENTRY STRAND
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Feb. 21, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 70
First route for 3-year-old Cal-bred allowance winner was terrific. Trailed turf mile, angled out, finished fast and galloped out willingly. Bolt d’Oro colt found his calling around two turns.
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SARATOGA SPECIAL
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Feb. 21, 7th
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 90
Irish-bred filly ran super in U.S. debut in turf sprint stakes. Forwardly placed, loomed threat outside favorite into lane, couldn’t get by. Solid comeback by Mehmas filly, eligible to N2X.
CHARGE FOR GOLD
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Feb. 21, 9th
Finish: 4th by 2
Beyer: 84
Pace-pressing turf horse dueled on contested pace in hillside sprint, overhauled late by closers. Good try against the race shape, claimed for $50k by McCarthy from Phil Oviedo. Follow.
DARYA
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Feb. 21, 10th
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 64
Excellent U.S. debut by maiden filly in turf mile. Off slow, saved ground near back, blocked through far turn, angled out, finished fast. Will be tough with clean trip in next maiden turf route.
SHARONS PHAROAH
Trainer: Jonathan Thomas
Last race: Feb. 22, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 74
First-time starter at a mile on turf, this gelding sped to lead, set honest pace, worn down in the lane. Solid effort to hold on and finish third, American Pharoah gelding will be fitter next out.
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