Sat, July 20, 2024

Acorn Stakes winner THORPEDO ANNA (3) has won five from six and is unbeaten in three runs this campaign, including a track and distance victory last start. In top form and expected to go close again. Group 2 winner INTRICATE (5) resumed last start over 1m1/2f in stakes class at Churchill Downs (Dirt) and showed little early speed, settling well back but hitting the line hard to finish second, beaten 0.8 lengths. Takes on tougher opposition this time but a bold showing is expected. Alcibiades Stakes winner CANDIED (1) was too good when resuming in an easier race over 1m1/2f at Listed level at Monmouth Park (Dirt) last start, scoring by 4.5 lengths. Ashland Stakes winner LESLIE'S ROSE (4) went forward over 1m1f in the G1 Acorn Stakes at this track (Dirt) last time but found one better. Has been in sound form this prep with three wins from six starts. Not to be discounted.