By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

The $1 Million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, Keeneland, Race 9, 5:15 p.m. Eastern

(1) Tapit Trice appeared beaten in the Tampa Bay Derby but then closed with a furious rush in the final furlong to win. Faces a better field here but should work out a great trip from the rail and give Pletcher even a stronger Kentucky Derby hand. (3) Verifying didn’t fire on a sloppy track but is among the best in the division on his best days. Today could be one of those days. (6) Scoobie Quando has been running quite well on synthetics but as son of Uncle Mo he’s eligible to respond favorably to a switch to dirt. (8) Blazing Sevens tossed in a clunker to start his 3-year-old season but seems much better than that and can bounce back here. Betting strategy: 1 to win. Exacta and trifecta box: 1-3-6-8.