Carpe Diem Headlines Blue Grass

Saturday's GI Toyota Blue Grass S. has drawn eight sophomores, headlined by GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity and GII Tampa Bay Derby winner Carpe Diem (Giant's Causeway). The even-money morning-line favorite, who is co-owned by WinStar Farm and Stonestreet Stables, drew the five hole. 

“We're happy [with the post],” said John Moynihan, bloodstock adviser for Stonestreet Stables. “He's a tactical horse and [jockey] Johnny [Velazquez] knows him well and he can put him wherever he wants to put him. He can stalk; if there's not a lot of speed, he can go to the front, like what he did in the race in October [in the GI Breeders' Futurity].” 

'TDN Rising Star' and GIII Delta Downs Jackpot S. winner Ocho Ocho Ocho (Street Sense) drew the rail and was established as the co-second choice on the morning-line at 6-1. The colt was a little slow out of the of gate in the GII San Felipe S. Mar. 7 and finished eighth. 

“The rail is fine,” conditioner Jim Cassidy explained. “I'd rather be inside than outside in any event. He broke a little slow last time, but he won't this time.” 

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin will send out Cheyenne Stable colorbearer Classy Class (Discreetly Mine) from the seven post position Saturday. The bay hasn't returned to the winner's circle since his unveiling, but was third in both the GIII Withers S. Feb. 7 and last time out in the GIII Gotham S. Mar. 7. 

“It's a pretty good run to the first turn and he usually breaks well,” McLaughlin stated. “He's pretty straightforward to ride and I like the outside post. Seven of eight is fine. He's a very honest horse and he tries hard.”