By Brian DiDonato
A. P. Indian (Indian Charlie), the leading sprinter in the country for much of last year, makes his seasonal debut in Keeneland's GIII Commonwealth S. Saturday having last been seen finishing fourth–later promoted to third–in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint Nov. 5. The Green Lantern colorbearer strung together fives wins last season, including scores in Saratoga's GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt and GI Forego S. before besting Limousine Liberal (Successful Appeal) by a nose in the in local GII Phoenix S. in October. Limousine Liberal finished one spot behind A. P. Indian in the Breeders' Cup, but seems to have an affinity for Keeneland–he broke the 6 1/2-furlong track record here for an optional claiming romp on seasonal debut on this card 12 months ago. Ami's Flatter (Flatter) annexed this race convincingly on the cutback last year, and was third in the Phoenix. Off the board and sluggish in Belmont's GIII Bold Ruler H. in late October and the GIII Hal's Hope S. at Gulstream Jan. 14, the Ivan Dalos homebred seemed to wake up a bit with blinkers added when second to MGSW Stanford (Malibu Moon) in Tampa's 8 1/2-furlong Challenger S. Mar. 11. Two up-and-coming types make their first graded stakes appearances. Yockey's Warrior (Warrior's Reward) kicked off a three-race winning skein with a victory here last October, and added wins in the Thanksgiving H. at Fair Grounds Nov. 24 and an Oaklawn optional claimer Feb. 17. Well-bred Brendan Walsh trainee Redesdale (Speightstown) is three-for-three to date, having paired up wins in New Orleans Jan. 20 and Feb. 24 after a sharp Churchill debut last May.
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