Integration failed to fire as a heavy favorite in his most recent start in the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2), but will have an opportunity to make amends in the $300,000 Red Smith (G2), one of three stakes on the Saturday program at Aqueduct.
A promising sort last season when winning his first three starts, including the Virginia Derby (G3) and Hill Prince (G2), Integration has not progressed as strongly as hoped this term. His lone win on the season, as a 1-20 favorite in a small stakes at Colonial Downs, came amidst a series of Grade 1 attempts that resulted in minor awards. Integration was most recently fourth, beaten four lengths, in the Kentucky Turf Cup.
Integration’s trainer, Shug McGaughey also sends out Limited Liability, who proved more effective over the unique Kentucky Downs configuration when taking the 2 1/16-mile Nashville Gold Cup by open lengths. Limited Liability has not fared well in previous tries over the Aqueduct turf, though, finishing unplaced in all three outings, including a sixth-place effort in the 2023 Red Smith.
Master Piece prevailed in last year’s Red Smith by a neck in a 10-1, and confirmed his fondness for the local sod in May when taking the Fort Marcy (G2) by a similar margin. He’s been plying his trade in Southern California since then, most recently finishing third in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2).
The field of nine in the Red Smith will travel 1 3/8 miles on the turf.
Downgraded this year to a Grade 3 event is the $200,000 Hill Prince for three-year-olds over nine furlongs on the turf. Dual Grade 3 winner Deterministic is the likely favorite following a narrow loss in the Jockey Club Derby (G3), while rivals like Cugino and Royal Majesty are often in the mix at this level.
Chad Brown has entered the stakes newcomers Right to Vote and Main Beach, while Parx invader Bartlett might prove the lone speed if he takes to the grass at first asking.
A competitive group of older horses will dash six furlongs in the $150,000 Aqueduct Turf Sprint Championship. Senbei figures tough after a recent score in the course-and-distance Belmont Turf Sprint (G3), with Grooms All Bizness, Alogon, and Outlaw Kid also likely to attract support.
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