I know there are some big races in Kentucky later today, but it's opening day at the Big A!  Fast & firm to start, with some rain possible for later.

The Grade 3 Bold Ruler ends up here after being scrapped with the rest of that card last Saturday at Belmont. I have no strong opinion, though will likely take a shot against favored Coal Front returning from the long layoff. I realize that he is speed from the rail with the fastest back races, and that Pletcher is aces with horses like this, but I wasn't much of a fan last year and still think there is plenty working against him.

I think both True Timber and No Dozing are viable alternatives at slightly better prices.  We'll see. 

The supporting feature is the Grade 3 Tempted, for 2yo fillies over a one-turn mile. My first position on this race was to be against Enliven, who hasn't appeared to be anything special in her first two starts and is likely to take at least some money in this spot. I actually think her stablemate, Takecharge Mirella, is more interesting at a bigger price after moving early and holding on to break her maiden last time.  I was impressed with Surge of Pride's main track debut 13 days ago at Belmont, where she finished strongly from off the pace to with the Maid of the Mist against NY-breds.  She's back quickly and up in class but she looks good to me at anything near her ML odds.  

Breeders' Cup Friday picks, for anyone interested:

Juvenile Turf Sprint:    

1: Stillwater Cove

2: Soldier's Call

3: Queen of Bermuda

4: Bulletin

 Juvenile Fillies Turf:

1: Newspaperofrecord

2: Just Wonderful

3: Summering

4: Lily's Candle

Juvenile Fillies: 

1: Restless Rider

2: Bellafina

3: Serengeti Empress

4: Sippican Harbor

 Juvenile Turf: 

1: War of Will

2: Anthony Van Dyck

3: Current

4: Line of Duty

 Juvenile: 

1: Game Winner

2: Complexity

3: Dueling

4: Gunmetal Gray