Bernard Baruch J

BADGE OF SILVER (Silver Deputy) will return from a lengthy layoff in
Saturday’s $200,000 Bernard Baruch H. (G2), but he really took to the turf last
time in the San Gabriel H. (G2) and trainer Bobby Frankel is confident that the
six-year-old horse will offer a strong showing. We respect his chances, but
we’ll try to beat the likely favorite. ASHKAL WAY (Ire) (Ashkalani) exits a good
second over the course in the Fourstardave H. (G2), and we’ll give the improving
four-year-old gelding top billing.

Conditioned by Saeed bin Suroor, the Godolphin colorbearer made his U.S. bow
in late May and captured his first three attempts, capping the skein with a
half-length score in the Elkwood S. at Monmouth Park. Ashkal Way was victimized
by a slow early pace when making his graded debut in the Fourstardave last time,
but he still offered a good rally to reach a menacing spot by the top of the
stretch before flattening out for second. The late runner will have a much
better pace scenario on Saturday, as entrymate ETESAAL (Danzig) looks like a
rabbit and could wind up dueling with Badge of Silver on the front end, and
we’ll look for a winning rally from Ashkal Way.

DREADNAUGHT (Lac Ouimet) didn’t perform up to expectations at longer
distances in his last two outings, and the Tom Voss charge might appreciate the
cutback to nine furlongs. He certainly ran well enough to win this race when
just missing to Better Talk Now (Talkin Man) in the 1 1/8-mile Dixie S. (G2)
three starts back, out-finishing Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) winner Artie Schiller
(El Prado [Ire]) for the place in deep stretch, and his BRIS Speed and Late Pace
numbers on grass are probably the best in the field. We’re concerned that he may
be off form after watching his last two starts, but Voss is an excellent
horseman and the six-year-old Dreadnaught is a threat to rebound in a big way
here.

Badge of Silver has the class to win easily in this spot, but he had ankle
surgery following his impressive victory in the San Gabriel and has had to
overcome a lot of physical setbacks throughout his career. The six-year-old
doesn’t necessarily need the lead, but likes to run on or near the front end and
could be eager to roll here off the layoff. With plenty of other early speed
present, Badge of Silver might prove vulnerable.

LEADWITHYOURCHIN (Dynaformer) finished a good third to eventual Sword Dancer
Invitational S. (G1) winner Go Deputy (Deputy Minister) in the Bowling Green H.
(G2) last out, and the late-running colt will be making his second stakes start
in this spot. Trained by Michael Hushion, the four-year-old colt has earned
respectable Late Pace numbers in his recent starts, and he will receive a
positive jockey switch to Fernando Jara. Leadwithyourchin could get involved
late at nice odds.

Three-time Grade 2 winner QUEST STAR (Broad Brush) has plenty of back class,
but the seven-year-old gelding didn’t look sharp enough last time for us to
recommend his chances. INTERPATATION (Langfuhr) owns a decent late kick, but
we’d prefer to see better form coming into this event. T. D. VANCE (Rahy), a
Grade 2 winner last year at the Spa, exits a seventh in the Poker H. (G3) and
does his best running on the lead. There may be too much pace present for him to
be effective. TERRIFIC STORM (Storm Cat) was no factor in his lone stakes
appearance and has dropped his last two starts against allowance/optional
claiming rivals. He probably needs an easier spot. We’ll give Etesaal a race in
this country.

FISHY ADVICE (Woodman) suffered an injury to his left hind stifle and will
likely be scratched.