Fred Hooper J

AMERICAN
GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

Saturday’s $100,000 Fred W. Hooper H. (G3) lacks front runners. There are
plenty of confirmed closers among the 11 entrants, but the 1 1/8-mile race is
ripe for the taking on the lead. We like the speed from the outside.

MISTER FOTIS (Diligence), who is cross entered in the Kenny Noe Jr. H., recorded a 6 1/2-length, wire-to-wire score in an
allowance/optional claiming event last December at Calder, earning a 102 BRIS
Speed rating, and he enters this form in sharp form for trainer Marty Wolfson,
netting a 107 Speed and 106 BRIS Late Pace number for his commendable runner-up
finish in the six-furlong Jack Dudley Sprint H. last out. Nine furlongs hasn’t
been his best game, but this is the kind of a spot where Mister Fotis can steal
one. The four-year-old likes Calder (three wins), has a speed jock in Jorge
Chavez, and owns top rate Speed and Pace figures. We believe Mister Fotis can
sprint clear early, slow the pace down and wire the Hooper.

WHOS CRYING NOW (Concerto) is very honest on the main track and owns solid
tactical speed, earning BRIS E1 and E2 Pace ratings of 93 and 102, respectively, en route to victory in
the Carl G. Rose Classic H. last out. The Manny Tortora trainee should be able
to save ground from the rail while carving out a good stalking trick under the
hot-riding Manoel Cruz. Whos Crying Now is a serious win threat from just
off the pace.

DAZZLING DR. CEVIN (Cutlass Fax), a six-time winner at Calder, is doing well
presently for conditioner Luis Olivares and has shown a preference for the
distance. Jockey Eddie Castro will likely attempt to have the sophomore gelding
up close to the early pace, and Dazzling Dr. Cevin, who has earned Late Pace
ratings of 109 and 102 in recent starts, could have a serious say in the final
outcome.

The Nick Zito-trained entry of SEEK GOLD (Touch Gold) and ANDROMEDA’S HERO (Fusaichi
Pegasus) are both one-dimensional late runners who could clunk up for a small
share. We like the former a little better based on a good second last time in a
one-mile, one-turn allowance/optional claiming at Churchill Downs following a
lengthy layoff, and the five-year-old gelding has won at Calder before.
Andromeda’s Hero owns back class, finishing second in this year’s Belmont S.
(G1), but he hasn’t won since February, finished unplaced in his last four
starts.

ITSAWONDERFULIFE (Skip Away) could offer a fine showing at long odds. The
gray colt has the speed to carve out a favorable trip close to the pace and has
earned century-topping Late Pace figures in his last three attempts. He could
hold for a share. NIIGON (Unbridled) can handle a route of ground but doesn’t
like to win (0-for-7 at the distance). However, he’s doing well presently,
recording runner-up finishes in his last two starts in Canadian Grade 3 events
at Woodbine, and merits consideration for the top three here.

MILITARY MAJOR (Rahy) exits a game win in the Oklahoma Derby and finished a
close fourth in the Super Derby (G2) prior to that. The three-year-old doesn’t
bring strong Speed figures into his first appearance in Florida, but he’s
eligible to keep improving for trainer Michael Caraman. Consider for a top-three
placing. SUPERVISOR (Skip Trial) is a one-dimensional late runner who is winless
from nine attempts at the distance. He has the class to be a factor with his
best, but we’re going against.

SIR JACKIE (Sweetsouthernsaint) doesn’t look fast enough to challenge. GRAND
CANYON (Chi) (Crary), a listed winner in Chile, has been racing at shorter
distances in the Southern Hemisphere and looks difficult to recommend in his
U.S. bow.