The Player ($4.20), making his first start with blinkers, went straight to the front under Calvin Borel and never was headed, winning the Grade 3, $150,000 Mineshaft Handicap as much the best on Saturday at Fair Grounds. The Player was timed in a swift 1:42.29 for 1 1/16 miles on dirt. Thirstforlife came between horses and won a tight photo over Scuba for second. Buff Bradley trains The Player, a 5-year-old son of Street Hero. Morning-line favorite Cedartown was scratched from the Mineshaft earlier Saturday.