10th-GP, $50,000, Msw, 3yo, 7f, post time: 4:33 p.m. ET
RULER OF THE NILE (Pioneerof the Nile), a $240,000 KEENOV weanling turned $1-million OBSMAR juvenile after a :20 4/5 breeze, makes his debut in this tough-looking spot. The Todd Pletcher-trained Robert and Lawana Low colorbearer is out of a half-sister to MGSW and promising young sire Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile) as well as the Grade I-placed Nonna Mia (Empire Maker), who in turn produced GISW Outwork (Uncle Mo). King Zachary (Curlin) sports an experience edge. Bought back by co-breeder Tom Conway for $550,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, the was third behind graded stakes-placed 'TDN Rising Star' Principe Guilherme (Tapit) on debut at Churchill Nov. 10. TJCIS PPs
1st-SA, $54,000, Msw, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, post time: 3:30 p.m. ET
PHOENIX FIRE (Tapit) makes his first start here at this testing nine-furlong distance having been scratched out of a down-the-hill maiden Feb. 10 won by fellow Baffert trainee Masked (Data Link). The $1.25-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling is a half to co-owner Stonestreet Farm's former $1.15-million purchase Royal Obsession (Tapit), who subsequently earned a Grade II-placing before being purchased by Don Alberto Corp. for $1.8 million in foal to Curlin at KEENOV '17. The grey's dam is a half to Grade I-winning grasser Magnificent Song (Unbridled's Song). TJCIS PPs
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