1

Seeking the Sherif

Big time player on the Southern California circuit since being claimed for US$12,500 last December. Consistently in the money ever since, earning 10 times his purchase price. Seeking a Cinderella storybook ending here, though.

2

Indianapolis

Three-year-old is undefeated in three starts and was on the Kentucky Derby trail after an easy win in the San Pedro at 1200m at Santa Anita in January. Then went on the shelf, returning with a hard-fought victory on 26 Sept. One to watch out for, perhaps at a price.

3

Wind Fire

The lone Euro in this field, this 3-year-old filly was 4th in G3 Prix du Petit Couvert (turf 1000m) at Longchamp last month. She has been in contention in a couple group stakes in England but appears to be up against it in this field.

4

Secret Circle

Last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint winner has had only two starts this season -- a close second in the G2 Palos Verdes and third behind Rich Tapestry and Goldencents in the G1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (1200m). Has been burning up the track in the morning so don't ignore.

5

Private Zone

Threw in a clunker in last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint, finishing 10th as one of the favourites. But he comes into this heat off an impressive victory in the G1 Vosburgh (1200m) at Belmont Park, beating Palace among others. If he moves forward at all in his third start of the year, will be tough to handle.

6

Rich Tapestry

Hong Kong's hope proved he belongs in the top level with a hard-won victory in the G1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship on 4 Oct -- a prep for this race. He came from off the pace in that race to get up by a nose from last year's Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner, Goldencents. That style could suit in a race with some blazing speed in the field and from gate No. 6, Olivier Doleuze should be able to work out a favourable trip. Why not?

7

Mico Margarita

Winner of two straight, albeit against lesser rivals at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia and Remington Park in Oklahoma. He did run well in graded stakes last summer and could have a say in the outcome here with a best-ever effort.

8

Palace

A major player here after winning the G1 A.G. Vanderbilt (1200m) and the G1 Forego (1400m), both at Saratoga, in August. However, he was third behind Private Zone in the G1 Vosburgh in his last outing. Never worse than third in 13 starts at this trip and is impossible to ignore.

9

Salutos Amigos

Exits a nice victory just last weekend in the G3 Bold Ruler (1400m) at Belmont Park and before that was 4th, beaten just 2 lengths in the G1 Vosburgh. Still needs to show he belongs at this level.

10

Big Macher

Rose through the optional claiming ranks all the way to a G1 win in the Bing Crosby (1200m) over the Del Mar all-weather track in July. He also has won on the dirt at Santa Anita in the G2 Potrero Grande in April. Faded badly last time out in the G3 Pat O'Brien at Del Mar. Player in a wide-open field.

11

Bakken

Lightly raced colt finished second to Palace two starts back in the G2 True North at Belmont Park, then returned with a win. Needs more to figure here, however.

12

Fast Anna

Making only his 5th start, this colt has two wins, a 2nd in the G1 King's Bishop (1400m) at Saratoga in August and a 2nd in the G3 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania in September. Speedy sort will find company on the front end this time in toughest test to date.

13

Work All Week

This 5-year-old gelding has been a winning machine for Chicago-based Midwest Thoroughbreds with eight wins and two seconds from 10 starts on dirt. He comes off a G3 victory at Keeneland going 1200m on 3 Oct. He certainly will be part of the pace scenario but can he last against the best?

14

Bourbon Courage

Frequently in the top three but an infrequent winner while most frequently going longer. Came off a five-months layoff to win a conditioned optional claiming event at Keeneland in his last outing, looking sharp at 1300m.

Reserves

15

Bahamian Squall

Finished a close-up sixth in last year's Sprint, struggled most of this season but ran an impressive win in his last start at Gulfstream Park. Looks like an outsider here absent a big improvement.

16

Indexical

Two wins to his name -- one in a maiden race, the other in an optional claimer on the turf.