Thursday's $100,000-added Forerunner drew a competitive group of nine 3-year-old colts and geldings who are scheduled compete over Keeneland's nine-furlong Haggin turf course.
Favored at 5-2 for the race is Prince Arch, who has made his last two starts at the Forerunner distance and finished second both times. He was second to Shakespeare by two lengths in his last out, the March 20 Caltech Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Ken McPeek trains the son of
Arch for Raymond Cottrell Sr.
A sensible pick is Mr. J. T. L., who has already run once this meet over Keeneland's turf. The son of
Smart Strike finished second in the April 2 Transylvania Stakes (gr. IIIT) in his last start. He is trained by co-owner Roger Attfield, who sent out Perfect Soul to win last weekend's Maker's Mark Mile (gr. IIT) at the track. In his last start prior to the Transylvania, Mr. J. T. L. broke his maiden going 8 1/2-furlongs on the turf at Gulfstream Park in February.
Graded stakes winner Bachelor Blues will be trying for his first win this year. The William Schettine homebred won the Summer Stakes (Can-IIT) at Woodbine last September, but is winless in three starts in 2004. Trainer Josie Carroll will send him postward.
The Forerunner field from the rail out with jockey, trainer, and morning line. All horses will carry 116 pounds with the exception of Bachelor Blues, who will carry 123.
1--Prince Arch, Brice Blanc, Ken McPeek, 5-2
2--Bogangles, Cornelio Velasquez, Eddie Kenneally, 8-1
3--Brass Hat, Jason Lumpkins, William Bradley, 8-1
4--Mr. J. T. L., Rafael Bejarano, Roger Attfield, 4-1
5--Big Booster, Shane Sellers, John Kimmel, 8-1
6--Victory Light, Pat Day, Elliott Walden, 3-1
7--Lost In Transit, John McKee, Ronald Keith Kinmon, 20-1
8--Bachelor Blues, Robby Albarado, Josie Carroll, 10-1
9--War Trace, Edgar Prado, James Toner, 12-1
