American 'Idolo'

Idolo Porteno (Arg) (Jump Start), the 2015 Argentinian Horse of the Year, returns to the turf for Saturday's GII Dixiana Elkhorn S. at Keeneland and looms an interesting pari-mutuel proposition based strictly on the unknown.

Despite a pedigree for the dirt, the dark bay was no better than a 27-1 shot when winning the G1 GP Dardo Rocha at La Plata in 2014 and followed up with a four-length success in G1 GP Carlos Pellegrini going this marathon trip back on the turf at San Isidro. He was out of the top three in two subsequent tries in South America and made his U.S. debut in Oaklawn's GIII Razorback H. off a series of strong works over the main track in Hot Springs. The subject of some early tote action that day, he was hardly disgraced in finishing third behind Upstart (Flatter) and can be a factor getting back on the grass here.

Though still eligible for a second-level allowance, Royal Albert Hall (GB) (Royal Applause {GB}) has placed three times at the graded level, finishing behind the likes of Prospect Park (Tapit) in the GII La Jolla H. and behind Om (Munnings) in the GII Twilight Derby last year. Tried over 10 furlongs for the first time in a Mar. 25 allowance at Santa Anita, he finished full of run for a 1 1/4-length victory, suggesting this trip is within his capabilities. Flavien Prat is in for the ride.

Kaigun (Northern Afleet) chased home Da Big Hoss (Lemon Drop Kid) when second to that one in the GIII John B. Connally Turf at Sam Houston Jan. 30 and rounded out the exacta in the GIII Mac Diarmida S. at Gulfstream Mar. 5. The veteran snapped a nine-race skid with a head victory in the GII Pan American S. Apr. 2 and is a deserving favorite.