Aqueduct: Dutrow weighs options with Marilyn’s Guy

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - If Redding Colliery ships to Santa Anita for the Big Cap as trainer Kiaran McLauglin has indicate he “likely” will, that might entice trainer Tony Dutrow to run Marilyn’s Guy in the Excelsior.

Marilyn’s Guy returned from an 11-month layoff to win a hard-fought nose decision over San Pablo in Saturday’s As Indicated Stakes over the inner track. Marilyn’s Guy earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure in the process.

Dutrow said Monday that Marilyn’s Guy came out of the race “superior” but that his first instinct was not to run back in the Excelsior.

“I do not rule out the Excelsior, but I’m not a probable,” he said.

Dutrow said that he was surprised that Marilyn’s Guy was fit enough to win a prolonged stretch battle with San Pablo, who had a recency edge on him though who was spotting Marilyn’s Guy five pounds.

“He did surprise me in that I didn’t feel he was 100 percent there,” Dutrow said. “I think he’s a better horse than I was giving him credit for.”