8th-GPX, $51,000, OC 75k/N1X, 3yo, 1 1/16m, post time: 3:35 p.m. ET
MISSISSIPPI (Pioneerof the Nile), scratched out of Saturday's GII Holy Bull S., headlines this live-looking optional claimer for sophomores as the 6-5 morning-line favorite. The second out maiden winner at Churchill Downs Nov. 19 ran a game one in defeat to complete the exacta behind 'TDN Rising Star' Noble Indy (Take Charge Indy) while making his two-turn bow here Jan. 11. Mark Casse trains the $700,000 FTFMAR graduate.
The highly regarded Navistar (Union Rags&log=">Union Rags), a $900,000 OBSMAR juvenile, also figures to be well-supported at the windows. Second-best behind unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star' Mask (Tapit) on debut at Belmont last October, the bay resurfaced for trainer Todd Pletcher with a maiden win as the 2-5 chalk going a mile here Dec. 16. TJCIS PPs
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