Pimlico – 11th race – American Freedom (5/2)
We’re going to give this colt another chance in the Sir Barton Stakes despite his dismal failure as the 7/5 favorite in the Pay Day Mile two weeks ago on Derby Day. He’ll handle any kind of off track, has the pedigree to improve over a distance of ground, and had a nice breeze last week to indicate he came out of the race in good order. Wants to settle and make a run – he was rushed into a hot pace at Churchill Downs and came up empty – and given a patient ride today this still highly-regarded son of Pulpit seems quite capable of making amends.
Pimlico – 12th race – 11-Force the Pass (5-1)
Turned in a dynamite effort in his seasonal bow at Gulfstream Park in April, pressing the pace in the Appleton Stakes and proving extremely game through the lane, winding up a close third while earning a career top speed figure. The son of Speightstown has trained well since, should be able to handle soft ground if required and with only a slight forward move should be up to winning this very competitive edition of the Dixie Stakes. Worth a gamble at or near his morning line of 5-1 if you can get it.
