Team Valor International's Howe Great will try to overcome post fourteen in Friday's Grade 2 American Turf at Churchill Downs.
Howe Great, trained by Graham Motion, finished 2nd in his Parx debut last September before rattling off four straight including a one-length tally over Dullahan in the G3 Palm Beach. The early-pressing type finished an even 5th from post 10 when last seen in the G1 Blue Grass and today's pilot John Velazquez is 2-for-2 with him. The sophomore son of Hat Trick is 3-for-3 on turf.
Gung Ho could be the one to beat under Ramon Dominguez. The G1 Blue Grass show finisher is on the upswing and won a turf stakes affair at Louisiana Downs last September. He owns running style versatility and should save some ground from an advantageous inner post.
Coalport may have turned the corner for Wayne Catalano. He has disappointed in the stakes ranks before but exits a sharp entry level allowance score at Keeneland and his numbers are getting better. He figures to track the pace from the hedge with Garrett Gomez on his back.
Star Channel has won three straight for Pletcher and is living up to his fine turf route pedigree (English Channel-Cozzene). He faces better today but could be up to the task with further development. Castellano is 2-for-2 with him.
Siliver Max has fired trifecta shots in all six turf tries and is probably the one to catch under Robby Albarado.
Blueskiesnrainbows almost stole the candy in the G1 Santa Anita Derby but settled for the show after setting the pace. He flopped in his lone turf sprint try but the Baffert trainee is bred for turf (English Channel) and should make his presence felt from the outset under Mike Smith.
Silver Meance, Look At The Time, Scatman, Finnegans Wake, Tones, Travel Advisory, Flashy Dresser, Skyring, and also-eligible Scorcher round out the competition.