Big Brown comes off a Derby win of historic proportions and takes an effective drop in class against a field with very modest credentials.
Crystal Zvezda (7.30), who pulled too hard when well fancied in the Oaks, makes her return to the track and provided those tendencies are kept in check she should appreciate this drop in class.
This is a drop in class for the Irish raider following runs at the Cheltenham Festival and at Aintree and he should be more at home in this company.
Blanchard expected more dissent from students regarding a ban when her classes participated in the pilot program last semester, she said, but she hasn't noticed a drop in class attendance or heard negative feedback from students.
Though yesterday's 10-furlong contest represented a drop in class which he started 5-4 favourito to win, he completed his task with such conspicuous enthusiasm it took rider Kevin Manning some time to anchor him after the finish.
David Elsworth's sprinter was down the field in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes last time out, but has several pounds in hand of his four rivals on the balance of his form and should make the most of today's drop in class.
