Grade 3 Elkhorn Stakes Features Deep Field

7/2 morning line favorite Dynamic Sky gets back on the grass for trainer Mark Casse after a sixth place effort in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap March 7. Winless in three starts this year, Dynamic Sky has posted competitive speed figures despite running sixth in the Grade 2 San Gabriel and fifth in the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes in his other outings. The five year-old son of Sky Mesa last found the winner’s circle November 15 at Aqueduct after winning the Grade 3 Red Smith Handicap over a yielding turf course. Julian Leparoux will take the mount breaking from post ten.

Unitarian goes for repeat

2014 Elkhorn winner, Unitarian (9/2), returns to defend his title while making his second start this year. The five year-old son of Pulpit was an easy winner in the Allen Jerkins Stakes January 31 at Gulfstream, posting a 3 ½ length victory in the two-mile marathon event. Ace turf jockey Javier Castellano, who was aboard for that start and the 2014 Elkhorn, returns to ride for trainer Todd Pletcher – a combination that has connected at a 36% clip at Keeneland since last year.

Optimizer offers plenty of class 

The always-dangerous Optimizer (6/1) deserves a look, but must overcome considerable racing rust while making his first start since running seventh in the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile October 4.