(#4) INDIAN BLESSING - Bob Baffert trained filly has been ultra-impressive in her two starts to date. Broke her maiden at Saratoga on August 30, and the word had preceded her arrival from California that she could really motor. Won as she pleased from an inside post after the rider asked her for more around the far turn. Its unusual for any horse to go from a maiden into a Grade 1 stakes and even rarer to win it, but this filly made it look very easy as she took command at the start and drew off to another handy win. Tells me how special the connections thought she was as Baffert obviously had this progression in mind right along. Continues to work extremely fast, and she may just wait a furlong or two before taking the lead. Only question that remains is that she hasnt raced around two turns. Filly may be something special.

(#10) Proud Spell - Has done nothing wrong in three starts, but she gets a tough post draw for her first start around two turns. Has a proven rating gear and can pass horses rather easily. Need to work out a trip where she can save some ground and avoid traffic.

(#5) Irish Smoke - Another who went from a maiden to winning a Grade 1 (the Spinaway) before shipping to Keeneland for the Alcibiades S. Broke poorly, rushed into contention, and predictably tired late. Has stayed at Keeneland and done her major preparation over that artificial surface, and shipped here several days ago for this. Working fast, and her success on conventional dirt is significant.

(#3) Tashas Miracle - Significant ability shown in mid-summer, breaking her maiden and winning the Sorrento at Del Mar. On the sidelines for seven weeks since that stakes win, she came back in a Grade 1 (Oak Leaf Stakes) and ran well in that first try around two turns, and did so from a wide post. Working well, and blinkers go on - an unorthodox move in a major race.

(#8) Izarra - Has displayed ample ability for master trainer Ron McAnally. Excellent second in the Grade 1 Oak Leaf, rating well and finishing strong. Shes still learning the game, and further improvement is well within her reach.