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Harlem Rocker listed at even-money on Plate Trial morning line Three weeks ago, undefeated Withers S. (G3) hero HARLEM ROCKER (Macho Uno) was being discussed as a potentially formidable challenger to Kentucky Derby (G1) conqueror Big Brown (Boundary) in the Preakness S. (G1). Instead of aiming for the second jewel of the American Triple Crown, however, owner/breeder Frank Stronach and trainer Todd Pletcher decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and preferred to launch an assault on the Canadian Triple Crown. To prep for the first Canadian classic, the June 22 Queen's Plate S., Harlem Rocker will line up in Sunday's C$150,000 Plate Trial S. at Woodbine. In keeping with his stellar record and reputation, the gray has been installed as the even-money favorite on the morning line. Harlem Rocker made his career debut at Gulfstream Park in February, where he overcame a poor start to win going away by 1 3/4 lengths, and followed up the next month with a similarly smart flourish to break through his entry-level allowance condition. The merit of that performance was revealed when runner-up Samba Rooster (Songandaprayer) came right back to finish a strong second in the Lexington S. (G2). Harlem Rocker got his own opportunity to shine in stakes company in his subsequent outing in the Withers, blowing past 6-5 favorite J Be K (Silver Deputy) en route to a handy 2 1/2-length score at Aqueduct. "That race (the Withers) was something special," said Mike Rogers, racing manager for Stronach Stables, who added that big things had been expected of the Ontario-bred ever since his early education. "He was highly regarded by our people in Florida. Randy Bradshaw, who trains our horses at Adena Springs South, liked him from the start. He really took his time with him. "Todd (Pletcher) told me that he has been pleasantly surprised with the way he has come along," Rogers noted. "Early on, he wasn't a good work horse. He has a very laid-back personality, and that was reflected in the way he would train." So far, Harlem Rocker has raced exclusively around one turn on the dirt. In the Plate Trial, he will stretch out to 1 1/8 miles on the Polytrack, but Rogers has confidence in the face of the unknowns. "You never know until you do it, but the good thing about him is that he relaxes early, he's not wound up. He's a good-looking horse, and he has lots of potential. He's run three very solid races. He's run better each time. Hopefully, the best is still yet to come." Eibar Coa will make the journey to Woodbine to stick with Harlem Rocker, who will break from post 6 in an eight-horse field. The only other stakes winner in the octet is NOT BOURBON (Not Impossible [Ire]) from the Roger Attfield barn. The Charles Fipke homebred captured the Bull Page S. here last October, setting a six-furlong track record of 1:08 4/5 in the process, and is coming off an impressive five-length romp in the Queenston S. going seven furlongs. The chestnut is taking a considerable step-up in trip, but rates the 4-1 second choice with regular rider Jono Jones in the saddle. Among those tackling stakes rivals for the first time, PEWTER (Silver Deputy) is exiting a six-length maiden triumph at Gulfstream Park for James Bond, and two-time winner SEBASTIAN'S SONG (Cherokee Run) is eligible to move forward off a sixth versus older rivals in a 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claimer. EAST END TAP (Pleasant Tap) will break from the rail with Tyler Pizarro. Next will come Not Bourbon; MAMMA'S KNIGHT (Ascot Knight), Jerry Baird; CHASIN THE TORNADO (Smart Strike), Daniel David; SOLITAIRE (Victory Gallop), Robert Landry; Harlem Rocker; Sebastian's Song, David Clark; and Pewter, Patrick Husbands. Each Canadian-bred sophomore will tote 126 pounds.
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