Keeneland

There is no doubt Hughes (second choice) is the one to beat; he has posted easy wins in a pair of Grade 1s and clocked some excellent times; the only doubt is whether he can summon another big effort shipping from the West coast. \American History is the obvious alternative after handling the step up to Grade 1 class here on only his second start. But the value may be COACH POPE who was picked up late by the latter after being softened up in a long duel; he started odds on after a wildly impressive maiden score and can prove that running wrong. Gaudreau is an interesting colt, not least because he represents the Belmont form of the absent U. S. S. Valor who will be strongly fancied for the Kentucky Derby in 2027. [James Willoughby]