Dual graded winner Tax (Arch) makes his first start since the GI Runhappy Travers S. Saturday in Aqueduct's GIII Discovery H. Winner of this venue's GIII Withers S. in February, the gelding was a close second in the GII Wood Memorial S. in Ozone Park Apr. 6, but could only manage 14th in the GI Kentucky Derby May 4. Fourth in the GI Belmont S. June 8, the dark bay returned to winning ways in Saratoga's GII Jim Dandy S. July 27 and was last seen finishing seventh in the Aug. 24 Travers.
Shug McGaughey saddles an intriguing contender in Performer (Speightstown). Graduating at second asking at Belmont June 29, the chestnut captured a Saratoga allowance Aug. 24 and made it three in a row next out when extending to 1 1/16 miles at Belmont Sept. 29.
'TDN Rising Star' En Wye Cee (Declaration of War) looks to earn his black-type badge here. An impressive debut winner at the Spa Aug. 3, the homebred passed his two-turn test next out with a win at Belmont Sept. 21 and was third last time in a Keeneland optional claimer Oct. 11.
Chad Brown sends out one worth a look in Mubarmaj (Curlin). Third behind En Wye Cee in their mutual unveiling, the Shadwell Stables colorbearer broke through next out going a mile at Belmont Sept. 12 and followed suit with an allowance score at that oval Oct. 14.
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