Palace returns to state-bred company in John Morrissey

Palace (City Zip), who swept Saratoga's biggest sprint stakes last season,

will attempt to get back on the winning track Thursday in the $100,000

John Morrissey

at Saratoga.

The 6 1/2-furlong race for older New York-breds marks the first start for

Palace since a fifth-place finish in the April 4 Carter H. (G1). The Linda

Rice-trained six-year-old landed the Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (G1) and Forego

(G1) last season, but saw his championship aspirations fizzle out after

finishing third in the Vosburgh (G1) and sixth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1).

Also in the John Morrissey lineup is the race's 2014 winner Weekend Hideaway

(Speightstown), who is also trying to snap a three-race losing skid. He's been

unplaced three times since registering an impressive four-length score in the

January 17 Sunshine Millions Sprint at Gulfstream.

Other likely contenders include last year's Hudson H. winner Moonlight Song

(Unbridled's Song) and recent open allowance scorer Noble Cornerstone (Noble

Causeway).

The day's action kicks off with the $75,000

Jonathan Kiser, a 2

1/16-mile novice hurdle.

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