Can Apart End Skid in Schaefer?

Apart, the 5-2 morning line favorite in Saturday's Grade 3 William Donald Schaefer Memorial at Pimlico, tries to end a 4-race losing streak dating back to last November.  

Al Stall Jr.'s consistent son of Flatter began his roll at Louisiana Downs last summer and after winning the Super Derby and Ack Ack he threw in a rare clunker in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs in November.

He returned to the races at Fair Grounds following a brief vacation and hit the board in a trio of dirt route stakes events. Today's pilot Garrett Gomez has won with him before and a tactical trip seems likely.

Colizeo is probably the one to beat. Todd Pletcher's improving Distorted Humor colt got a bit late in the longer Skip Away at Gulfstream Park last time. He is a 4-time winner at today's mile and a sixteenth distance and should make his presence felt throughout under John Velazquez.

Icabad Crane is out of the NY-bred ranks for Graham Motion. The 6-year-old gelding is a gem of consistency and looks like a tight fit with this group.

Charles Town specialist Researcher attracts Ramon Dominguez and will try to get invloved from the rail at 8-1. 

Pleasant Prince is expected to scratch in favor of another spot at Churchill Downs. Eighttofasttocatch, No Advantage, Our Dark Knight, and Wayne Lukas 3-year-old Saratoga Red round out the Schaefer field.