Mask Returns in Loaded Pat Day Mile

Lane's End Racing's undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Mask (Tapit) was considered one of the top early contenders for the GI Kentucky Derby after his dazzling romp in the Mucho Macho Man S. Jan. 6, but with an injury and several months off in the rearview, he returns on the Derby day undercard in a stacked edition of the GIII Pat Day Mile S.

A three-length debut victor Oct. 20 at Belmont, the $685,000 KEESEP grad took no prisoners at Gulfstream with a 6 1/4-length tour de force performance. An undisclosed setback cost him any chance at gaining a foothold on the Derby trail, however, and his connections decided to back off on him. He's drilled steadily since early March, however, and capped off preparations with an easy five-furlong spin in 1:03 2/5 (48/55) over this track.

If Mask is the comebacker, WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and SF Racing's National Flag (Speightstown) is the 'now' horse. Breaking his maiden last August at Saratoga, the $600,000 KEESEP pickup was fifth in the GI Hopeful S. Sept. 4. Laid up for the winter, he returned with a well-regarded allowance tally Mar. 2 at Gulfstream and was extremely impressive in taking the GIII Bay Shore S. last out at Aqueduct after a disastrous start.

Rigney Racing's Madison's Luna (Tapit) is a colt on the rise. Scoring in his career bow Feb. 10 at Tampa, the $400,000 KEESEP grad powered away to a five-length triumph in the GIII Hutcheson S. Mar. 24 at Gulfstream.

A trio of turnbacks also rate glances. Mike Lombardi's Lombo (Graydar) upset the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. Feb. 3 at Santa Anita, but backed up to finish seventh when last seen in the GII San Felipe S. there Mar. 10. 'TDN Rising Star' Sporting Chance (Tiznow), winner of the Hopeful, couldn't quite get going this spring and was fourth in the GII Toyota Blue Grass S. last out. Restoring Hope (Giant's Causeway), a good-looking maiden winner Feb. 2 at Santa Anita, ran an even third last out in the GII Wood Memorial Apr. 7 at Aqueduct.