Charitable Man, Imperial Council highlight Peter Pan

Charitable Man will seek to avenge his first loss when going in the Peter Pan (Debra Kral/Horsephotos.com)

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.