There were two extraordinary maiden breaking performances going long on turf at this meet and we were fortunate to catch one of them. That runner, Finnegans Wake (6-1), also conveniently earned the best performance figure on the Equiform scale and attracts Johnny Velazquez today.

The bad news is his extreme outside post; the probable good news is that the tough post will be built into the odds; it usually is. It had better be. As impressive as the Powerscourt colt was, the depth of this field and his position makes it folly to accept anything less than 5-1.

Taking Finnegans Wake to win and key boxing him in multiples with strong finishing, visually impressive Exothermic (8-1); experienced Patriotic And Proud (4-1); the uncoupled mate of the choice, News Pending (5-1), a winner at 9 furlongs; Saturday Launch (6-1),in here off a Pace Low, and, not least, graded stakes placed Fantastic Song (3-1).

Running Totals: (1020) 316-202-148 Total Dollar Return: $2,182.40 [win selections only]