Friday @ Thistledown

I've tagged three "horses of interest" today.

Race 1
CLASSIC REWARD was sharp 16May going head to head with Calder import SAUDI PRINCE. He may have found a softer spot here, dropping in against Ohio breds with a solid pace to run into. Mid-pack down the backstretch, bold wide move on the turn, hung slightly after closing (3rd by 2 heads)

Race 4
Richard Rettele makes an interesting move with MYASTORM. If the short prep provided enough fitness to "stay the course," he has a shot at being the controlling speed at a familiar distance. Broke first and never looked back ($5.40)

Race 5
Rettele is trying the same big stretchout strategy here as he takes in race four. Along with the distance switch, BINALONG TIME is moving up a bit in class and must tangle with the Bennett barn. He is a closer, will need some help from SMILAN IN MILAN and SCOTTKEITH'SKITTEN to post some sound fractions. Took a light gallop (5th by 5, 6 horse field) - SMILAN IN MILAN was smiling along Emery Road, gate to wire winner ($8.40)