North American Weekend Preview: Macho, macho man

There are a whole host of Graded stakes races across both Aqueduct and Keeneland on Saturday, and here we’ll preview a handful of them and pick out some selections.

Aqueduct

Carter Handicap (Grade 1), 7f Dirt – 22:15 BST

Not the strongest race for the grade, and it can be argued that Morning Line favourite Unified has yet to do enough on form to be carrying top weight in this contest. On the face of it, a neck defeat of Mind Your Biscuits last time looks good, but Unified did get an easy lead that day and the runner-up was far from primed with Dubai in mind. Although he hasn’t got the most consistent profile, Todd Pletcher’s Tommy Macho is smart at his best, and is likely to represent better value in receipt of 3 lb from Unified. He looks worth siding with.

Selection: Tommy Macho

Wood Memorial Stakes (Grade 2), 9f Dirt – 22:52 BST

One of several Kentucky Derby trials that take place this evening, this has a competitive look to it. Likely favourite Battalion Runner looks to strengthen Todd Pletcher’s already fearsome hand heading into the big race, and boasts a very similar profile to last week’s unexposed Florida Derby winner Always Dreaming. However, with Cloud Computing, Irish War Cry and Mo Town also boasting strong claims, he probably isn’t one to be taking a short price about.

Of the main contenders, Cloud Computing is the one who appeals most. This will be just his third start after putting up a highly creditable effort when second to J Boys Echo on his most recent outing. Having sat close to the strong pace that day, he is likely to be ridden with a bit more restraint this time and is fancied to go one better. Chad Brown is on record as saying this is one of the most naturally talented three-year-olds he has handled, and Cloud Computing can repay his trainer’s faith to put himself firmly in the Churchill Downs frame.

Selection: Cloud Computing

Keeneland

Madison Stakes (Grade 1), 7f Dirt – 22:03 BST

Having been acquired by Juddmonte Farms and transferred to Chad Brown since she last ran, Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Sprint runner-up Paulassiliverlining looks very much the one to beat on her seasonal bow. Although she has left a very good trainer in Michelle Nevin, few would argue that a move to Brown represents an upgrade on most handlers in the US currently, and she could take her form to another level in 2017. This looks an ideal spot for her to gain a first Grade 1 win.

Selection: Paulassilverlining

Ashland Stakes (Grade 1), 8.5f Dirt – 22:40 BST

One of the final stops on the road to the Kentucky Oaks, this can go the way of Californian raider Tapped. From the barn of Jerry Hollendorfer, who would have fielded the favourite for the Oaks itself had star filly Unique Bella not suffered a setback, Tapped can prove a more than able deputy, both here and possibly in the big one itself next month. A recent second on Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields, Tapped is much better judged on her prior start when running away with an allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita on a muddy track. Although she relished the wet track that day, she also has form on fast dirt, so drier conditions should be no issue.

Selection: Tapped