By Derek Simon
CONQUEST DADDYO, who was a fast-closing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, is likely to be favored, but I think the value play is LIFE IMITATES ART, who tops the field with a +6 median late speed ration.
SPINAMISS was Group III-placed in Ireland and ran a deceptively good race in her US bow. Despite settling toward the rear of the pack in a very slow-paced race (+4 ESR) at Tampa Bay Downs, Spinamiss exploded late to win, while recording a race-best +3 late speed ration. The speed rating in that optional claiming event was nothing to write home about — probably due to the soft pace — so the daughter of Lilbourne Lad should offer value despite her high-profile connections.
