King's Bishop attracts strong trio of sophomore sprinters

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).