By Joe Bianca
Expectations have been high for Robert and Lawana Low's Intrepid Heart (Tapit) ever since he hammered for $750,000 at OBS April, and they've grown to the point where the imposing gray will be a clear favorite to punch his ticket to the GI Belmont S. in Saturday's GIII Peter Pan S. at Big Sandy.
Opening his career going a mile Feb. 18 at Oaklawn, the Todd Pletcher trainee couldn't have been much more impressive, shaking off a stiff pace challenge and running away in the stretch to a 7 3/4-length score, easily good enough for 'TDN Rising Star' honors. He was much busier in the closing stages Apr. 5 at Keeneland, but overcame a wide trip and surged late to stay unblemished by a half-length. Intrepid Heart is a half-brother to 2014 Peter Pan and GI Belmont S. runner-up Commissioner (A.P. Indy).
Sagamore Farm and WinStar Farm's Global Campaign (Curlin), another 'Rising Star', looms the clear main danger. Universally tipped as a good thing when 11-10 on debut Jan. 5 at Gulfstream, the $250,000 Keeneland September purchase didn't disappoint, cruising by 5 3/4 lengths in hand. He repeated with another easy victory there Feb. 9, and ran creditably when fifth after chasing a sizzling pace in the GII Xpressbet Fountain of Youth S. last out Mar. 2. The Stanley Hough trainee tuned up for this with swift a five-furlong breeze in :59 2/5 (3/43) Apr. 27 at Churchill.
Gary and Mary West and Jason Servis look to get one back after getting disqualified out of GI Kentucky Derby glory last Saturday with $110,000 Keeneland November grad Final Jeopardy (Street Sense). A dominant first-out winner Dec. 9 at Gulfstream, he was third when favored in the Limehouse S. there Jan. 5. Registering a sharp allowance score Mar. 3, he earned a trip to the GII Wood Memorial S. Apr. 6 at Aqueduct, but endured a rough trip before finishing with some late interest to be sixth.
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