(# 1) Bill Place - Lone defeat sprinting was a wide trip second on Sept. 22 under John Joyce - a butcher, and it was also the lone time he failed to show any speed. Has continued to improve under Dutrow, which is significant, as not many people take horses from John Rigattieri and improve them. Huge effort on Jan. 15, first time on the inner track. Dueled head-to-head for the lead recording a new pace top, and still ran a good speed figure. Owns a decided tactical edge over field and has been firing bullets in the A.M.

(# 3) Smash - Sat a perfect trip off a NPR and proved tough on Jan. 12. Meets open company rivals today, but should get a lively pace scenario to set up his late run. Lone win vs. open company came in a claimer.

(# 6) Wollaston Bay - Set a pestered pace and held reasonably well. Should be much more fit today, but the presence of "Bill Place," poses a huge problem.

The Plays: $20 to win and place on #1.
$8 exactas on 1-3 and 1-6.
$5 exactas on 3-1 and 6-1.
Total wager = $66.00.