Sun, January 05, 2025

PATCH O'BRIEN (1) was well in commission last start over 1m1/2f at Churchill Downs (Dirt) when second, beaten 5.5 lengths. Certainly deserves another chance. INDEPENDENT PAUL (6) did little and finished 6 lengths from the winner in seventh over 6f at this track last start, a less impressive effort than his when resuming fourth at Aqueduct the run before. Best figures measure up nicely. Sure to run well. WICKED MELODY (5) turned in a nice effort to score two runs ago at Churchill Downs. Couldn't follow that up last time out when fifth over 1m1/2f at Churchill Downs, beaten 13 lengths after being in the firing line on the corner. Finds a more suitable contest and can rediscover winning form. AMERICAN RAIDER (8) is back from a lay-off of ten weeks. Closed last campaign with a minor placing over 1m1/2f at Remington Park (Dirt). Comes here with definite top-three claims.