Vitali Pair Looms Large in $100,000 Tropical Park Turf Handicap

Valid has been tabbed as the 9-5 morning line favorite and is one of two horses coming out for trainer Marcus Vitali and owner Crossed Sabres Farm. Orlando Bocachica has been named to ride both Valid and the 5-2 second choice, Grade 1 winner Lochte. Valid, a $500,000 purchase as a yearling, has won five of his nine starts this year including the Monmouth Cup (G2). He has never won on the turf. Lochte, a three-time winner this season, has earned all four of his victories on the grass.

Lubash stepping out of state-bred competition

Christophe Clement will saddle Lubash at morning line odds of 3-1.  The New York-bred son of Freud has been competing primarily against state-bred rivals and has been first or second in all six starts this year. The seven-year-old was last seen finishing second in the Mohawk at Belmont Park. He is an eleven time winner which includes a graded stakes victory. Brice Blanc will be aboard and they will break from post position two.

Rapscallion making graded stakes debut 

Also in the field at morning line odds of 10-1 is Rapscallion for trainer Graham Motion. A four-year-old gelded son of Speightstown, he has won three of his twelve starts and will be making his stakes debut. He was last seen winning an allowance race over the main track at Keeneland and has won on turf and synthetics as well. Gabriel Saez will be aboard replacing the recently-retired Rosie Napravnik and they will break from the rail.