Looking for 'Fire to be doused in the Jerome

Champagne (G1) winner FIRENZE FIRE will kick start his 2018 campaign at Aqueduct on Saturday when leading an eight-horse field in the $150,000 Jerome. The Florida-bred son of Posiedon's Warrior easily has the best resume in this cast, and when viewing the strength of his foes from his juvenile season, the Jason Servis pupil will be a deserving short-priced favorite this weekend.

While respecting the accomplished three-year-old, I think it's a nice time to try and take down the colt who surely won't be fully cranked for his sophomore bow. He shows just a trio of morning drills in advance of this race while coming off of a cross-country voyage and a two-month layoff. The time could be right to go against him.

SEVEN TRUMPETS was heavily backed at first asking at Ellis Park and ran a dud, finishing fifth while being defeated by a sizable 20 lengths. Trainer Dale Romans said, "He ran too bad to be believed first time out. I was shocked to see him get beat 20 lengths."

The $205,000 son of Morning Line came out of that race with a reported tender shin and made his next run following the more than three-month absence at Churchill Downs in late October. Tracking a solid pace in a big field, the Kentucky-bred took command in early stretch and strode home a sharp 3 1/2-length maiden victor while registering a fine 93 BRIS Speed figure.

Coming back in a month, the dark bay faced a nice allowance field and came out on top once again to make it two in succession, toppling stakes winner Battle Station with a determined late run after gaining an edge in mid-stretch. "I've touted this horse since he arrived at my barn," Romans stated.

Seven Trumpets draws into a Jerome field that lacks depth overall, and is well drawn in the 2 post for his seasonal debut. The OBS spring purchase has the pedigree and running style to thrive going a one-turn mile, and I think that Paco Lopez taking the reins is big positive.

The Romans charge also has natural early foot and lands in a cast without an abundance of pace. I wouldn't be shocked to see this colt on the front end with a heady break from the gate from this post draw.

While I am not sure how far Trumpets will ultimately want to run, this spot looks ideal for the lightly raced colt at a price. I tab Seven Trumpets to extinguish the 'Fire' on Saturday.

(Coady Photography)