Given his depth in the division, Todd Pletcher does not have an easy time finding suitable spots for his phalanx of 3-year-olds. Thus, he was shipping five of them mid-week from his winter base at Palm Beach Downs to run in races Saturday at Fair Grounds. Moonlight was cross-entered in the Risen Star and a first-level allowance race and is intended for the Risen Star, said Pletcher, who also runs Cardinale in the stakes race. Tuscan Sky, an eye-catching debut winner at Aqueduct, goes in a first-level allowance, with Antiquarian in a maiden route and Granthor debuting in a maiden sprint. Pletcher also has the older horse Gasoline for the Mineshaft Stakes. “It’s really about timing, trying to put them in a position, if they run well enough, to come back for another [Fair Grounds] race, or to set them up for a potential stake,” Pletcher said. Cardinale won his sprint debut with a modest 59 Beyer Speed Figure but ran considerably faster finishing second by a neck behind Change of Command in a Jan. 5 route allowance, though Change of Command returned to flop last weekend in the Sam Davis Stakes. Cardinale raced in blinkers his first two starts but runs without the equipment Saturday. :: KENTUCKY DERBY 2024: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more “He dug in and fought hard once the heavy favorite collared him,” Pletcher said. “If he’s that competitive, I’d like him to see the competition earlier.” Moonlight’s last race came Dec. 2, when he was a decent fourth in the Remsen. While Moonlight has raced four times, Pletcher said the colt is “still figuring things out.” There was a race for Granthor last weekend at Gulfstream Park, but Pletcher felt the colt needed one more work. Antiquarian, a Preservationist colt, clearly has ability. He debuted Jan. 13 in a one-turn mile and finished second by a half-length to the talented Conquest Warrior. “He’s a big, strong colt, a very good mover who just got nailed late last time. He’ll appreciate getting around two turns,” Pletcher said. Tuscan Sky, who starts in the third race, might be the strongest prospect Pletcher sends to New Orleans. Debuting over a muddy track going six furlongs Jan. 13 at Aqueduct, Tuscan Sky raced near the early pace, dropped back at the half-mile pole like he was fading from contention, then grabbed the bridle again and powered his way to a 5 1/4-length victory, galloping out like a route horse in waiting. He got an 89 Beyer, tops among the 3-year-olds Pletcher has sent west. “We were anticipating a good debut from him at a distance that’s not his favorite. He got outfooted a touch but kicked in when it counted,” Pletcher said. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Tuscan Sky soon was sent to Palm Beach Downs, where he posted three workouts. Luis Saez picks up the mount. “He’s such a laid back, well-mannered colt,” Pletcher said. “He’s pretty push button in terms of his training. Ask him and he’ll do more; if not, he’s content and will do what you want him to.” Pletcher has two colts for the Risen Star. Tuscan Sky might be his real hope for the Louisiana Derby. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.