Wed 5/06/2009
Futurity S. (G2) winner CHARITABLE MAN (Lemon Drop Kid) and Gotham S. (G3) runner-up IMPERIAL COUNCIL (Empire Maker) were each being pointed toward the Kentucky Derby (G1) a little more than a month ago, but those plans were derailed by a poor showing in their last start. The promising three-year-olds will look to bounce back when they head to the starting gate in Saturday's $200,000 Peter Pan S. (G2). The 1 1/8-mile event at Belmont Park drew a field of seven.
Charitable Man was very well-regarded last fall, winning his debut by 11 1/2 lengths prior to an impressive one-length score in the Futurity, but the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee was forced to miss the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G2) due to a saucer fracture of a shin and wasn't seen again under silks until the April 11 Blue Grass S. (G1). The dark bay colt suffered his first career setback that afternoon, checking in seventh over the Polytrack at Keeneland, and Charitable Man will attempt to get back on the right track while returning to a conventional dirt surface on Saturday. Regular rider Alan Garcia will retain the mount.
Imperial Council wrapped up his juvenile season with a maiden win at Belmont Park and returned to the races this year with a smart two-length allowance tally at Gulfstream Park. The Shug McGaughey runner recorded a commendable second behind I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even) when making his stakes debut in the March 7 Gotham, but he took a step back when finishing a disappointing fifth in the Wood Memorial (G1) last time. Edgar Prado will return to the saddle.
HELLO BROADWAY (Broken Vow), runner-up in the Hutcheson S. (G2) and Nashua S. (G2), dropped off the Kentucky Derby trail following a seventh in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), but the Barclay Tagg pupil exits an encouraging allowance win at Keeneland and merits respect in the Peter Pan. Garrett Gomez, who picked up the mount last time at Keeneland, will be in to ride the chestnut again.
Borderland Derby winner SCOREWITHCATER (Even the Score) will be tested for class on Saturday, but the Doug O'Neill colt brings an interesting distinction into the Peter Pan -- he finished ahead of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird (Birdstone) in two starts this year in New Mexico. Calder stakes winner STATELY CHARACTER (Pleasant Tap), who exits a fourth in the Florida Derby (G1), is also entered. The Nick Zito-trained BRAVE VICTORY (Lion Heart) and Todd Pletcher-conditioned AL KHALI (Medaglia d'Oro) round out the field.
Futurity S. (G2) winner CHARITABLE MAN (Lemon Drop Kid) and Gotham S. (G3) runner-up IMPERIAL COUNCIL (Empire Maker) were each being pointed toward the Kentucky Derby (G1) a little more than a month ago, but those plans were derailed by a poor showing in their last start. The promising three-year-olds will look to bounce back when they head to the starting gate in Saturday's $200,000 Peter Pan S. (G2). The 1 1/8-mile event at Belmont Park drew a field of seven.
Charitable Man was very well-regarded last fall, winning his debut by 11 1/2 lengths prior to an impressive one-length score in the Futurity, but the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee was forced to miss the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G2) due to a saucer fracture of a shin and wasn't seen again under silks until the April 11 Blue Grass S. (G1). The dark bay colt suffered his first career setback that afternoon, checking in seventh over the Polytrack at Keeneland, and Charitable Man will attempt to get back on the right track while returning to a conventional dirt surface on Saturday. Regular rider Alan Garcia will retain the mount.
Imperial Council wrapped up his juvenile season with a maiden win at Belmont Park and returned to the races this year with a smart two-length allowance tally at Gulfstream Park. The Shug McGaughey runner recorded a commendable second behind I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even) when making his stakes debut in the March 7 Gotham, but he took a step back when finishing a disappointing fifth in the Wood Memorial (G1) last time. Edgar Prado will return to the saddle.
HELLO BROADWAY (Broken Vow), runner-up in the Hutcheson S. (G2) and Nashua S. (G2), dropped off the Kentucky Derby trail following a seventh in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), but the Barclay Tagg pupil exits an encouraging allowance win at Keeneland and merits respect in the Peter Pan. Garrett Gomez, who picked up the mount last time at Keeneland, will be in to ride the chestnut again.
Borderland Derby winner SCOREWITHCATER (Even the Score) will be tested for class on Saturday, but the Doug O'Neill colt brings an interesting distinction into the Peter Pan -- he finished ahead of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird (Birdstone) in two starts this year in New Mexico. Calder stakes winner STATELY CHARACTER (Pleasant Tap), who exits a fourth in the Florida Derby (G1), is also entered. The Nick Zito-trained BRAVE VICTORY (Lion Heart) and Todd Pletcher-conditioned AL KHALI (Medaglia d'Oro) round out the field.
