D. Wayne Lukas in graded stakes

[NTamm1215]

First and foremost, if the 8 horses who have first preference in the Sprint go it will be one of the weakest fields in the history of the race.

In terms of the Phoenix itself, he was in a very untenable position going around the far turn and eventually shifted all the way outside before making a nice late move. The winner had a perfect trip on a gold rail while both he and Aikenite raced outside. As far as his three Saratoga races go, the James Marvin was an excellent race as he was wide and off the strong rail. The Vanderbilt is a throwout since he was wide on another strong rail. The Forego was excellent considering where the other pacesetters ended up when all was said and done.

What people using the advance PPs will see that those in the final edition will not is that his best career race came on the Churchill main track in his first start after the Phoenix in 2009.

His lack of a graded stake win is certainly an issue but you can't deny that the majority of his best races are at CD with the only blemish being on the slop in the CD Handicap in 2010.