First Look: Graded stakes are on tap at Aqueduct, Churchill

The graded-stakes action moves east this weekend with turf tilts at Churchill Downs and Aqueduct.

Here’s an early look at the likely fields.

Saturday

River City (G3), Churchill Downs, 1 1/8 miles (turf), 3-year-olds and up

Stitched, winner of the 1 1/16-mile Wise Dan (G2) in July, stretches out again here after finishing seventh last out in the Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland. F Five tries stakes company for the first time after allowance and optional-claimer wins. Smokin T has a record of 7: 2-1-4 this year and was third in his last two starts, the Baltimore-Washington International Turf Cup (G3) and the Mint Millions (G3).

Red Smith (G2), Aqueduct, 1 3/8 miles (turf), 3-year-olds and up

In his two starts since arriving in the U.S. from Great Britain, Francesco Clemente was fourth in an optional-claiming allowance and then winning an allowance, both at Aqueduct. Soldier Rising has specialized in finishing second this year, finishing as the runner-up in four Grade 1 stakes, most recently beaten by 4 1/2 lengths by War Like Goddess in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1). Limited Liability won an allowance in his first start of the year but is 0-for-3 since, all in graded stakes.

Pebbles (G3), Aqueduct, 1 mile (turf), 3-year-old fillies

Implicated was 2-for-3 last year and has only one start this year, a fourth-place finish in an optional-claiming allowance last month. Silver Skillet was second by a neck last out in the off-the-turf Ticonderoga at Belmont at the Big A. Sacred Wish switched to turf for her last two starts, winning a listed stakes and finishing fourth last out in the Valley View (G3). Startup Mentality would step up here after winning her debut at 1 1/16 miles in July.

Sunday

Long Island (G3), 1 3/8 miles (turf), fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

R Calli Kim would try graded company for the first time after three straight wins at the allowance and claiming levels. Idea Generation is 0-for-3 this year after finishing second in the Waya (G3) last out. Amazing Grace is on a five-race losing streak after opening the year with a win in the Orchid (G3).

Probables for the Maple Leaf (G3) and Bessarabian (G2), both at Woodbine on Saturday, were not available.