By Christie DeBernardis
'TDN Rising Star' Eight Rings (Empire Maker) was heavily favored in the GI Del Mar Futurity Sept. 2, but ducked in shortly after the break, dumping jockey Drayden Van Dyke and bumping into Storm the Court (Court Vision), causing him to lose his rider as well. Adding blinkers this time around, the Bob Baffert pupil looks to make amends Friday in the GI American Pharoah S. at Santa Anita, which grants the winner a spot in the gate for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Prior to that incident last time, the $520,000 KEESEP purchase romped by 6 1/4 lengths in his Aug. 4 unveiling at Del Mar. Storm the Court, a debut winner in SoCal Aug. 10, also returns in this spot.
Del Mar Futurity winner Nucky (Ghostzapper) will see if he can take down Eight Rings this time as he looks to double up. Prior to his top-level score earlier this month, the dark bay earned his diploma by 10 1/2 lengths at fourth asking while in for a $100,000 tag at Del Mar Aug. 21. Futurity third-place finisher Defense Wins (Flatter), who is still a maiden, seeks his diploma here. Also exiting the Futurity is fifth-place finisher Fore Left (Twirling Candy), who captured Belmont's Tremont S. June 7.
Steve Asmussen ships 'TDN Rising Star' Shoplifted (Into Mischief) in from the East Coast for this one. An impressive winner at first asking at Saratoga July 27, the $800,000 FTFMAR buy split his stablemates when second in the Spa's GI Hopeful S. Sept. 2.
Undefeated Collusion Illusion (Twirling Candy) makes his first top-level attempt here. Opening his account with a half-length success over Defense Wins at Del Mar July 21, the bay followed suit with a win in the GII Best Pal S. there Aug. 10.
Express Train (Union Rags) looks like he could be any kind as he steps up from the maiden ranks here. Runner-up to Eight Rings in their mutual 5 1/2-panel debut Aug. 4, the $500,000 KEESEP purchase demolished the field by 14 1/4 lengths next out going a mile at Del Mar Aug. 28.
American Theorem (American Pharoah) is another making a big class jump here after winning his career bow at Del Mar Aug. 31.
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