Grade 3 Ben Ali Draws Six Pack

Protonico is the 9/5 morning line favorite and will try to rebound after being eased in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap in his four year-old debut February 7 at Gulfstream Park.  The Todd Pletcher trainee has won four of nine career starts and finished second in the Grade 1 Clark Handicap November 28 at Churchill Downs to cap his three year-old season.  Protonico posted a blazing move April 5 at Keeneland, covering four furlongs in 47.01 seconds – the fastest of 93 works at the distance.

Neck 'n Neck could set the pace

In a race without a clear pace presence, Neck ‘n Neck (4/1) and jockey Julien Leparoux could take advantage of an inside post to set the early fractions.  The six year-old Neck ‘n Neck has made three starts this year including a third place effort last out in the Challenger Stakes March 7 at Tampa. The Ian Wilkes trainee was a serious horse in 2012 as a three year-old winning the Grade 2 Indiana Derby and Grade 3 Ack Ack Stakes, but had his career derailed due to injury. 

Farhaan returns from extended layoff 

Farhaan (5/2) was last seen winning the Alydar Stakes by three and a quarter lengths August 17 at Saratoga. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin connects with 39% of his runners returning from layoffs greater than 180 days.