This mile optional claimer is a wide-open race that should produce a fairly fast pace. In 166 contests at this distance from last August through early Feb. 4, wire-to-wire winners were just 16 percent, according to Brisnet.com. In 40 races this year, the number climbs to 23 percent.
Mr. Prime Time hasn’t had much luck at Laurel, but the son of Indian Charlie with tactical speed is reunited with Travis L. Dunkleberger, who is winning at a 41 percent clip on horses trained by Rodney Jenkins.
One of the two Non Stop Stable horses should hit the board, most likely Torpedo Run, 5-0-4 in a dozen outings at the track, including 4-0-1 in eight trips at a mile.
And one of several likely pacesetters – Seal Team, Perfect Song and Polish Smile – can pick up a share of the $32,000 purse. All have scored in routes from a mile to 1 1/16 miles.
