Amherst Street makes 3-year-old debut in Coin Collector

Amherst Street, unbeaten in five starts as a 2-year-old, makes his 2014 debut in Saturday night’s $50,000 Coin Collector Stakes, a 4 1/2-furlong sprint for West Virginia-bred 3-year-olds at Charles Town.

In each of his five races, including four stakes victories, Amherst Street was in front at every point of call. He won at distances ranging from 4 1/2 to seven furlongs.

Although Amherst Street has been idle since taking the West Virginia Futurity last November, he was ready to run in his career debut last July, so he has already proven he can fire fresh.

Among the five whom Amherst Street will face, the biggest threat is Comeonletsplay, the runner-up to Amherst Street in three stakes last fall. Comeonletsplay will be cutting back to 4 1/2 furlongs for the first time since winning his maiden last August. He has a recency edge on Amherst Street, making the third start of his form cycle Saturday night. Comeonletsplay earned his second victory by leading throughout a two-turn, 6 1/2-furlong allowance two starts ago.

Aly’s Tap dominated seven rivals in his career debut May 31 and figures to be hard sent for the lead from the rail. His trainer, Chris Keller, is just 1 for 14 with last-out maiden winners seeking a repeat, according to DRF Formulator statistics.

The Greek Bop has a license to improve while making the third start of his form cycle following an even fourth against open company and a stumble at the start of a two-turn race. Both of his victories have come at 4 1/2 furlongs.

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