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.