Norfolk

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Top California-based juvenile J P’S GUSTO (Successful Appeal) is the one to
beat in the $250,000 Norfolk S. (G1) during the Oak Tree meeting at Hollywood
Park on Saturday. Trained by David Hofmans, the talented sophomore has rolled
to four straight wins, including a 4 1/2-length romp in the Del Mar Futurity (G1)
most recently. A winner twice over this strip, we see no reason why the
Kentucky-bred won’t continue his win streak beneath Pat Valenzuela.

English import BOXEUR DES RUES (Smart Strike) was a winner in his lone start
to date and could be any kind for trainer Doug O’Neill. The January foal must
be used and could have the best upset chance under the guidance of Rafael
Bejarano.

Del Mar Futurity runner-up JAYCITO (Victory Gallop) has run two fine
races for trainer Mike Mitchell, showing a solid late kick on each occasion. The
bay colt is surely bred to run long, he earned a 103 BRIS Late Pace number, and
gets a positive rider switch to Mike Smith.

ACAFELLA (Mr. Greeley) looked the part in his strong stakes win at Golden
Gate and seems to have a high ceiling for conditioner Richard Mandella. The dark
bay Kentucky-bred has a nice turn of foot and has posted a pair of useful
maintenance drills in advance of this. While we like this colt as a long-term
prospect, he wouldn’t be a total surprise in his third career try either.

I’m Smokin S. third LUCKY MR. K. (Benchmark) broke his maiden at odds-on in
his debut over the Hollywood main oval and could be a live exotics threat in his
route debut. The Jeff Bonde pupil should be close to the early tempo before
putting in his late run.

Del Mar Futurity third RIVETING REASON (Fusaichi Pegasus) is still
looking for his first career win but flashed enough ability at Del Mar to be
considered a top-three player on this occasion. Victor Espinoza inherits the
mount.

CLEARANCE CLARENCE (Cryptoclearance) defeated maiden claimers last out and
will likely find this class jump to be too much.