JEROME FIELD FULL OF TALENT AND PROMISE


JEROME FIELD FULL OF TALENT AND PROMISE

The $150,000 Jerome S. (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday is shaping up to be one of the better races for three-year-olds this year, from a talent perspective. A deep and intriguing field is set to run in this one-turn mile, led by Grade 3 hero Astrology from the barn of Steve Asmussen. The well-bred sophomore by A. P. Indy returned from a long break to be a sharp second in the Sunland Derby (G3) last out, leading late until being caught near the wire. The talented bay, who is alleged to be using this as a steppingstone to the Preakness S. (G1), has never finished worse than third and will surely have a big say in the outcome of this one.

Also for Asmussen is Justin Phillip, who was a tough-trip third in the Bay Shore S. (G3) last out. The colt will be stepping up in trip and class here, but he should improve with clear sailing from the outset. The lightly-raced Rattlesnake Bridge was second to Uncle Mo in his debut versus winners last time and has every right to improve in a big way for Kiaran McLaughlin.

Cal Nation was a smashing debut winner and game in second in his lone try versus winners for Todd Pletcher. The son of Distorted Humor was flattered when the horse that beat him that day was a game third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) with a rough trip last Saturday. Adios Charlie was a very sharp maiden winner at Gulfstream last out for Stanley Hough and could be a rising star. Free Entry failed as the second choice in the Tamp Bay Derby (G2) but is capable of much better for Chad Brown. Rocking Out, a sharp allowance winner at Gulfstream last time, is possible as a late-running threat.