The Pizza Man Tries to End 2016 Slump

There is no doubt who the headliner is in the $100,000 Stars and Stripes Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Arlington International Racecourse July 9. There is ample doubt, though, about whether The Pizza Man, now 7, has lost a step as he attempts to score at the 12-furlong distance.

Winner of the Stars and Stripes by a neck last year, The Pizza Man went on to take the Arlington Million (gr. IT) last summer before running fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. IT) and then winning the Hollywood Turf Cup (gr. IIT) at Del Mar in November. He has been dull in both his 2016 starts, running fifth in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr. IT) and fourth in the Wise Dan (gr. IIT) at shorter distances. The Pizza Man has burned money as the heavy favorite in both his starts this year, and is three-for-eight at the mile-and-a-half distance. Value players may turn elsewhere.

Bullards Alley would be a sensible alternative. He comes in off a score in the Louisville Handicap (gr. IIIT) at the distance and owns a two-race winning streak. He is a consistent sort who can stalk or run mid-pack.

Roman Approval finished 2 ¾ lengths behind Bullards Alley in the Louisville, and ran on late to finish fifth (placed fourth) in a blanket finish in an allowance optional claimer in New York. He has been competitive in graded events and was a neck back of The Pizza Man in last year’s Stars and Stripes. He’s fired a couple of bullets prepping for this one. He's cross-entered in the Arlington Handicap (gr. IIIT) Saturday.

Quiet Force checked in fourth in the Miami Mile (gr. IIIT) earlier this season and most recently stretched out to 12 furlongs in the Gleaming Stakes, where he finished second, beaten a half length. He won the Arlington Handicap (gr. IIIT) last year over good ground, so one to watch if the rains come.

Pumpkin Rumble won a stakes going a mile at Canterbury Park last year and has early speed, but weakened at his only try at this distance earlier in the year. He has early speed but lacks a consistent late kick.

Greengrassofyoming comes in off an allowance optional claiming win, but doesn’t have recent credentials in graded company.

O'Prado Ole failed to make an impression in grade II events earlier this year. After a pair of seconds, he broke through at 12 furlongs going wire-to-wire in an allowance optional claimer last month. He could employ similar tactics here. Chip Leader is another with tactical speed but showed little in his one try against graded company and seems more comfortable in the allowance ranks.

Birdsone was beaten by O’Prado Ole last out and has been facing considerably weaker without much success. Five Green Stars finished fourth against fellow Illinois-breds last out.