Aqueduct: McLaughlin has two possible for Withers

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said that Jerome fourth-place finisher Long River and recent maiden winner Valid are both possible for the Withers.

In his first start against winners, Long River raced inside of horses for a good part of the trip, but only showed modest acceleration when he got in the clear in the stretch.

“He ran well for just breaking his maiden,” McLaughlin said. “His best race he was out in the clear; this race he was opposite.”

Valid, a son of Medaglia d’Oro, comes off a 3 3/4-length maiden win at Laurel on Dec. 31 going a mile. Prior to that, he finished ninth behind Vyjack when both debuted at Aqueduct on Nov. 10. Valid is a half-brother to the Grade 1-winning mare Malibu Prayer.

On Sunday, McLaughlin sent out Maleeh to a half-length debut victory. Maleeh, a son of Indian Charlie, ran six furlongs in 1:10.84 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 83. McLaughlin said he had yet to talk to Rick Nichols, racing manager for Shadwell Stable, about what might be next.