Sat, March 22, 2025

JOLLY SAMURAI (2) is a talented gelding who was well held last time in tougher grade over 1m1f in the G2 Risen Star Stakes at Fairgrounds (Dirt). Has been in sound form this prep with three wins from six starts. Among the leading chances. DOMINANT SPIRIT (6) met with solid support last start over 1m1/2f at this track (Dirt) when fourth, beaten 4.5 lengths. Winning rider Jose L Alvarez stays aboard. Sure to run well. RING SEEKER (8) lifted strongly to salute by half a length three runs back at Listed level at this track (Dirt) before filling a minor placing at his last two starts. Winning rider S Elliott stays aboard. One of the main contenders. HOT GUNNER (4) dug deep to win by a nose two runs back at this track (Dirt) then finished 11th over 1m1/2f in the G2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park (Dirt) last time. Will find this easier. Can bounce back to winning form.