LUCRATIVE PA DERBY LEADS THE WAY IN THE KEYSTONE STATE

LUCRATIVE PA DERBY LEADS THE WAY IN THE KEYSTONE STATE

Belmont S. (G1) hero Ruler on Ice, fourth last out in the Travers S. (G1), leads a solid field postward in Saturday's $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G2) at Parx. The Kelly Breen trainee was a smart allowance winner on this oval earlier in the year and has really improved since adding blinkers a few starts back. The son of roman Ruler gets a rider switch in her, as well, to Garrett Gomez. 

Travers runner-up Rattlesnake Bridge has improved with nearly every start for conditioner Kiaran McLaughlin and looms large with another step forward in this one. The Long Branch S. hero seems to be dead-fit and should move up some in here, especially cutting back in trip some. Alan Garcia will be riding. Multiple graded stakes victor To Honor and Serve dominated an allowance field at Saratoga in advance of this and could be the one to catch on this day for Bill Mott. The talented son of Bernardini had a few hiccups this spring in Florida but could easily rebound with his best on this occasion. 

Graded placed Rush Now has made major strides in his last few and could be a danger at a fair price for Tony Dutrow. Wood Memorial S. (G1) second Arthur's Tale and Norman Asbjornson are also likely for this lucrative event.

Also slated for the Saturday card at Parx Racing are the $250,000 Gallant Bob S. and the $75,000 Roanoke S.