'TDN Rising Star' El Areeb (Exchange Rate), a jaw-dropping 11 1/4-length winner while making his two-turn debut in a muddy renewal of the GIII Jerome S. Jan. 2, shoots for his fourth straight victory in Saturday's GIII Withers S. at the Big A.
“His prep works heading into this race have been very good, especially [at Laurel Jan. 31],” trainer Cal Lynch said. “He had a really good breeze going :47 [2/5] and he came back good, so we're happy with him. He wouldn't be a big fan of the mud if it comes back again and thankfully the weather forecast looks like we'll be in good shape for Saturday. He did handle it last time, but he prefers a good to fast track.”
J Boys Echo (Mineshaft) earned his 'TDN Rising Star' badge for Dale Romans with a smart two-turn maiden win at Keeneland Oct. 27 and was most recently a well-beaten fourth at 3-1 in the GIII Delta Downs Jackpot S. Nov. 19.
Apartfromthecrowd (Gio Ponti) broke through at third asking with a good-looking maiden win for Chad Brown going two turns over the Big A inner track last out Jan. 14.
Jerome distant second and third-place finishers Bonus Points (Majestic Warrior) and True Timber (Mineshaft) return in the Withers as well.
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