RACE 8 -- Oceanside Stakes (One Mile, Turf, Post Time 8:44pm ET)
In a race where there is very little in the way of confirmed speed types, we'll try and catch the field sleeping a bit on (4) LEGENDS OF WAR (6-1). The son of Scat Daddy has yet to win a race in three starts since coming to America earlier this year, he's faced good company and has proven himself worthy of this spot. He comes off a solid second-place effort last time out at Santa Anita in a 5 furlong sprint, in which the winner came back to win again next out. He traveled a route of ground two starts back when a hard-luck third last May after dueling for the lead through moderate fractions. While a few of these runners have shown speed at times, this one is a confirmed front-runner who may just be able to scoot clear of these turning for home.
(3) JASIKAN (9-5) may be the horse to beat on paper. He comes off a solid win over the top choice when they met on May 27 at Santa Anita. The son of Bated Breath has been away slowly in each of his first two starts in this country and may have to navigate his way through heavy traffic in this spot. John Sadler trainee could well be moroting down the lane.
(8) GREGORIAN CHANT (7-2) was no match for Neptune's Storm in the Grade 3 Cinema Handicap last time out, but was very impressive when winning his U.S. debut at Santa Anita last May. The Phil D'Amato trainee loses the services of jockey Flavien Prat to Jasikan, but will likely be a late running factor.
(10) NOLDE (10-1) has won two straight for trainer John Shirreffs and comes into the contest in good form.