The signature day of racing will take place on Saturday at Turfway Park, when the $550,000 Spiral S. (G3) leads the way through a trio of stakes races. A huge field is likely for the event for three-year-old Derby hopefuls, and could be led by local standout Mac the Man, winner of the 96Rock S. on this oval in his latest test. Trained by Jeff Greenhill, the bay colt by El Corredor has romped home to a trio of consecutive wins on this oval and could also be the one to catch with his big natural early speed. Top pilot Norberto Arroyo will once again guide the impressive sophomore.
Uncaptured was last seen bagging the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) as a juvenile and could be a major player off the bench in this one for conditioner Mark Casse. The chestnut colt by Lion Heart is six for seven lifetime with a quartet of wins already on the Polytrack, and he’s also been training well in advance of this. Grade 2 turf standout Balance the Books always fires for trainer Chad Brown and looms a big chance in this spot with his best effort. The son of Lemon Drop Kid has a big turn of foot and will be tough to hold off with a good pace set-up.
Two-time Grade 1 placed Capo Bastone, dual Grade 3-placed Fear the Kitten, D. Wayne Lukas’ Channel Isle, Team Valor’s Crop Report, Gulfstream Park allowance victor Divine Ambition, Battaglia S. winner General Election, Bill Mott’s My Name is Michael, who was a closing third in the Sam F. Davis S. (G3) most recently and could surely move forward in his second try of 2013, sharp turf allowance star Black Onyx and California import Nina’s Dragon, who comes off a second in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) and is a proven synthetic player, add to the depth and quality of this field.
Also on Saturday is the $100,000 Bourbonette Oaks (G3) and $75,000 Rushway S.