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King's Bishop attracts strong trio of sophomore sprinters
Saturday's $250,000
King's
Bishop S. (G1) highlights a strong Travers S. (G1) undercard that also
features the $200,000
Bernard Baruch H. (G2) and $100,000
Victory Ride S. (G3). J BE K (Silver Deputy), a dominant winner of the
Jersey Shore S. (G3) and Woody Stephens S. (G2) in his last two outings, is the
top draw in the seven-furlong King's Bishop, but he'll face two talented
sophomore rivals at the Spa in KODIAK KOWBOY (Posse) and DESERT KEY (E Dubai).
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J Be K will go for three straight in the King's Bishop
(Debra Kral/Horsephotos.com) |
J Be K is unbeaten in five lifetime starts at distances under a mile. The
Steve Asmussen-trained colt earned his first stakes victory when taking the Bay
Shore S. (G3) by five lengths in April, and he was completely in hand while
winning the Jersey Shore and Woody Stephens by four- and 5 1/2-length margins in
last two starts, respectively. The Zayat Stables colorbearer will face 10 rivals
on Saturday with regular rider Garrett Gomez
Kodiak Kowboy likes the main track at Saratoga, winning the Saratoga Special
S. (G2) by two lengths last summer and the Amsterdam S. (G2) earlier this meet.
In the latter event, the Larry Jones trainee gamely wore down pacesetter Desert
Key, who was making his graded debut in the 6 1/2-furlong Amsterdam. Kodiak Kowboy
figures to be rallying late under Gabriel Saez. The improving Desert Key
recorded a sharp five-length allowance tally on the Belmont S. (G1) undercard
and flattered himself in defeat when stepping up in class in the Amsterdam,
missing by only a head for conditioner James Jerkens. The Kentucky-bred colt
drew the rail and looms as the one to catch under new jockey John Velazquez.
Grade 2 winners THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) and PROUDINSKY (Ger) (Silvano
[Ger]) are leading candidates in the Bernard Baruch. The 1 1/8-mile event on the
inner turf drew a field of 10, including defending champion SHAKIS (Ire)
(Machiavellian) and multiple stakes winner WAR MONGER (War Chant).
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The six-furlong Victory Ride for three-year-old fillies attracted a potential
stand-out in INDYANNE (Indian Charlie). Unbeaten in her first three starts in
Northern California, the Greg Gilchrist runner shipped to Calder for her most
recent start in the July 12 Azalea S. (G3) and decimated six rivals, winning off
by 9 1/2 lengths. The gray speedball has been working bullets at Golden Gate
Fields in preparation for her New York debut, and the Kentucky-bred miss will
keep Russell Baze in the irons.
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