Eskendereya entered in Gulfstream allowance

the off-the-turf Pilgrim S. in his only start on dirt, will return to the

traditional surface in Thursday's

8TH

race at Gulfstream Park. Contested over a one-turn mile, the entry-level

allowance has lured an overflow field of 15 three-year-olds.

Eskendereya made his career debut on turf at Saratoga, rallying from off the

pace to finish second. The Todd Pletcher trainee was then pitched directly into

stakes company in the Pilgrim, and was allowed to take his chance when the race

was transferred to Belmont's main track. Eskendereya relished the surface switch

to win in a romp. That effort earned him a crack at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile

(G1) on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride, but the chestnut was never in contention and

wound up ninth.

Subsequently shipped to Pletcher's winter quarters at Palm Meadows,

Eskendereya has been training steadily on the dirt in advance of his sophomore

debut. The well-bred colt, a half-brother to English Group 1 victor Balmont

(Stravinsky) from the family of 1974 Kentucky Derby (G1) hero Cannonade (Bold

Bidder), will break from post 6 with new rider John Velazquez.

THANK U PHILIPPE (Proud Accolade) has finished second to two of last season's

most impressive juveniles. Runner-up to Calder star Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil)

in the In Reality division of the Florida Stallion S., the Marty Wolfson pupil

was a distant second to Buddy's Saint (Saint Liam) in the Nashua S. (G2) last

out. Julien Leparoux picks up the mount on Thank U Philippe. Also exiting the

Nashua is fifth-place finisher QUICK RIDE (Afleet Alex) from the Nick Zito barn.

OUR REPENT (Repent) comes off a second-place finish in a Calder allowance to

subsequent Tropical Park Derby (G3) hero Fly by Phil (Act of Duty), while recent

maiden winners BANK THE EIGHT (Distorted Humor), LAUNCH N RELAUNCH (Harlan's

Holiday), REMAND (Successful Appeal) and PLEASANT PRINCE (Indy King) could all

attract some support.