Champagne

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Trainer Todd Pletcher entered an imposing duo in the $400,000 Champagne S. (G1)
at Belmont on Saturday, including likely overwhelming favorite UNCLE MO (Indian
Charlie), but STAY THIRSTY (Bernardini) was entered only as a back-up and is
expected to scratch.

Eye-popping maiden winner Uncle Mo was well-bet in his debut
and deservedly so, as the sensational debuter romped to a 14 1/2- length win at
Saratoga under mild encouragement. We acknowledge that the colt defeated a
questionable group and also raced upon a heavily biased oval on that day, but it
was still such a powerful performance that he’ll be tough in here. John
Velazquez opts to ride the colt.

We actually think maiden claiming victor MOUNTAIN TOWN (Cape Town) has a lot
to offer since being claimed by Richard Dutrow, as the juvenile is bred to run
much longer and was one of only two winners from the Nick Zito barn at the
Saratoga meeting. The well-bred bay will obviously be stepping way up in class
and trip, but we could easily see this one getting third.

Local maiden star BROTHER IN ARMS (Yes It’s True) has plenty of speed and
drilled a bullet in advance of this, but we’re not sure just how far this one
wants to run, or how good he is. We’ll still look for him to hold for a minor
award.

MERIDIAN MAGIC (Mineshaft) went to Delaware to break his maiden at second
asking for Nick Zito, but the colt will be facing much better in here and can’t
be backed for anything other than third in our estimation.

I’M STEPPIN’ IT UP (Congrats) was a 10 1/4-length winner in a maiden event two
back but will need big improvement to challenge these. SETTLE FOR MEDAL
(Medallist) seems too slow.

Stay Thirsty is an excellent long-term prospect and would rate a chance here with any improvement.
He will be our top choice if Uncle Mo is withdrawn for some reason, but we
expect to see him remain in the barn.