Classic runners return in Pegasus

Preakness S. (G1) contenders JACKSON BEND (Hear No Evil) and SCHOOLYARD

DREAMS (Stephen Got Even) return to competition on Saturday as part of a

six-horse field in the $200,000

Pegasus

S. (G3) at Monmouth Park. The pair took a slight break following the second

jewel of the Triple Crown and will be looking to return to the winner's circle

in this spot.

Of the two, Jackson Bend had the most success during the Triple Crown season.

The Nick Zito charge posted back-to-back seconds in the Holy Bull S. (G3),

Fountain of Youth S. (G2) and Wood Memorial S. (G1) prior to an off-the-board

run in the Kentucky Derby (G1). He returned for the Preakness on May 15 and just

missed second by a head when third on that day. The chestnut colt racked up a

5-1-0 line from six starts as a juvenile but is seeking his first win as a

sophomore following a tough season so far. Jose Lezcano will take the reins for

the first time.

Schoolyard Dreams threw his hat into the Triple Crown game when finishing

second in the Sam F. Davis S. (G3) and then just missing by a nose in the Tampa

Bay Derby (G3). He finished behind Jackson Bend in the Wood Memorial, filling

the fourth spot, and then ran ninth in the Preakness last out. Eibar Coa was

aboard for that classic and retains the mount here.

Other contenders in the 1 1/16-mile Pegasus include AFLEET AGAIN (Afleet

Alex) and NACHO FRIEND (Friends Lake). The former brings a win in the Withers S.

(G3) into this event and was a close third in the Spend a Buck S. last out.

Nacho Friend ran third to Afleet Again's 10th-placing in the Gotham S. (G3) in

early March, but could no better than fourth in the Spend a Buck.

Dwyer S. (G2) fourth SOARING EMPIRE (Empire Maker) and AFLEET EXPRESS (Afleet

Alex), who is making his stakes bow here off a 7 3/4-length allowance triumph,

round out the field.