November 27, 2024

El Kabeir likely to pursue Gotham

Last updated: 2/9/15 1:45 PM











El Kabeir is headed to the Gotham after a recent loss in the Withers

(NYRA/Adam Coglianese Photography)

Withers S. (G3) runner-up El Kabeir (Scat Daddy) came out of Saturday’s race
in good shape according to the colt’s trainer, John Terranova. The colt still
sits atop the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” leader board with 25 points, having
picked up four points for his second-place finish in the Withers.

“So far, so good,” said Terranova, who trains El Kabeir for Zayat Stables.
“He cooled out really well after the race and is a nice, sound horse.”

After dueling with pacesetter Classy Class (Discreetly Mine) for much of the
journey, El Kabeir, the odds-on favorite in the Withers, edged away from that
rival in deep stretch, but could not hold off Far From Over (Blame).

“I thought it was a good effort,” Terranova said. “We were second best, but
(El Kabeir) put in a good, solid effort. He’s an ultra-consistent horse,
hopefully we can take that next jump forward in his next race.”

According to Terranova, El Kabeir’s next race is likely to come in the
$400,000 Gotham S. (G3) on March 7.

Following Classy Class’s third-place finish in the Withers, trainer Kiaran
McLaughlin spoke Sunday morning from his Florida base.

“He ran very well (in the Withers),” McLaughlin said. “He was engaged early
by El Kabeir and they fought a hard battle for most of the race, setting it up
nicely for (Far From Over). Once (Far From Over) stumbled coming out of the
gate, I thought we were going to make an easy lead, but Chucky (Lopez, aboard El
Kabeir) came after us early. All things considered, we were pleased with the
effort.”

Classy Class came into the Withers off a fourth place-finish in in the Remsen
S. (G2) on November 29 at Aqueduct — his first start around two turns — in
which he raced wide for most of the way on an inside favoring track. Classy
Class is still possible for the Gotham, according to McLaughlin.

“We had a little hiccup before the Jerome that forced us to miss the race.
We’d like to see how he does after a full month of training with no setbacks,”
he said.



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