BAFFERT, LOCALS DOMINATE SUMMIT OF SPEED HOPEFULS

BAFFERT, LOCALS DOMINATE SUMMIT OF SPEED HOPEFULS

The $350,000 Princess Rooney H. (G1) is the standout race of the four lucrative graded events to be held Saturday at Calder, in the summit of Speed. Among the top draws in this six-furlong event are dual Grade 1 heroine Champagne d'Oro, last seen fourth in the El Encino S. (G2) at Santa Anita for trainer Eric Guillot. Trainer Marty Wolfson should have a presence here with a quartet of runners, including Stephanie Got Even, Bella Moneta, Jehan and Indulgence. Humana Distaff (G1) queen Sassy Image has burst onto the scene this campaign with a pair of huge wins and gives trainer Dale Romans a big presence in this dash. Bob Baffert's Irish Gypsy will likely be supplemented for this, as well.

The $350,000 Smile Sprint H. (G2) could be the next stop for David Fawkes' Apriority, runner-up in the Carter H. (G1) and Churchill Downs S. (G2) in his last pair. The late bloomer has exploded since switching to the main oval and looks a huge threat on this day.

Noble's Promise from the Ken McPeek barn stepped up last time with a stakes win at Churchill and would not surprise. The Grade 1-winning son of Cuvee will be prominent from the outset. Multiple graded winner This One's For Phil and the surging Giant Ryan, who has won five straight, are also likely for this test, as is the Baffert-trained Irrefutable.

The $200,000 Carry Back S. (G2) for sophomores is likely for West Coast invader Smash, Fawkes' Little Drama, the Marty Wolfson-trained Indiano and Crimson Streak.

May Day Rose could be the headliner in the $150,000 Azalea S. (G3) for Baffert. The surging daughter of Rockport Harbor has looked awesome as of late and should be a major presence here. Multiple stakes vixens Beso Grande and Devilish Lady will be carrying the hopes of the local contingent.