Strengths: Showed he can be brilliant on all-weather surfaces as well as dirt when he returned from a long break to run a fantastic second in the Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland. Third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint after opening up a daylight lead, he’s proven at the highest classes and can handle travel and varying track conditions.

Weaknesses: Compromised by physical issues, this 2007 late-season bloomer was stymied from challenging the division’s best in ’08. Extremely fast early, almost to a fault, he is a need-the-lead type who might be devastated by any incident at the break.

In the Genes: Home-bred for Ramsey family, by their beloved stallion Catienus, who also has produced G1 winner Precious Kitten. Catienus placed in the 1-1/4 miles Suburban and has sired Belmont Stakes third-place finisher Nolan’s Cat at 1-1/2 miles, but Talent Search has shown speed beyond his pedigree.