Wed, January 01, 2025

GROUP HUG (3) finished 2.75 lengths away in fourth last time out over 5½f at Laurel two-and-a-half weeks ago. Steps up in distance. The one to beat in this line up. THIRSTY PAPPY (7) tackled a longer journey last time at this track (Dirt) and after drifting back was never in it, finishing ninth and beaten 18 lengths. Expected to bounce back. RUNYONESQUE (6) turned in a nice effort to score two runs ago at this track. Less impressive last time out when third over 6f at this track, beaten 8 lengths. Yet to miss the placings in two starts over this course and distance. Nicely placed to return to winning form. MUST BE LOVE (8) missed the placings two runs back then didn't do any better last start when 13 lengths away in fifth over 1m1/2f at Laurel. Mychel J Sanchez gets the best out of this five-year-old gelding. Better than recent efforts suggest.