
Sprint Stars Clash in Grade 1 Vanderbilt Stakes
At 2/1 on the morning line, Rock Fall is the horse to beat after winning the Grade 2 True North in dominating fashion June 5 at Belmont. The four year-old Speightstown colt has raced just three times in 2015 – all victories – while earning progressively higher Beyer Speed Figures, including a 109 and 110 in his last two starts. Just how good is Rock Fall? In six career starts, the Todd Pletcher-trained colt lost only his first, and has since beaten all comers by open lengths. Only once has Rock Fall’s closest challenger come closer than 3 1/4 lengths of him – March 15 at Gulfstream following a nine month layoff – while he was still clear by an easy length at the wire.
Salutos Amigos good as they come
Undoubtedly, Rock Fall has yet to face a horse as good as Salutos Amigos (5/2). Following a failed trip to Dubai, Saultos Amigos returned June 28 at Monmouth to win the Mr. Prospector Stakes by 3 1/4 lengths over a sloppy track. The five year-old gelding, trained by David Jacobson, earned a 106 for his efforts – his fifth consecutive Beyer of at least 105 in North American starts.
Speedy outsider worth a look
Favorite Tale (5/1) may escape the notice of most handicappers who are likely to zero in on the top two and The Big Beast (4/1). However, if the Grade 2 Smile Stakes winner is left free to make an uncontested lead, he could pull the upset.
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