Belmont notes: Boisterous works ahead of Knickerbocker three-peat attempt

ELMONT, N.Y. – At one point this year, it looked like Boisterous was prepared to pick up the mantle from his injured and more celebrated stablemate Point of Entry and become a force in the turf division.

After winning back-to-back graded stakes including the Grade 1 Man o’ War here in July, things went awry for Boisterous. So instead of pointing to next month’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, Boisterous will make what most likely will be his final career start in Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Knickerbocker Stakes at Belmont Park.

Boisterous, a 6-year-old son of Distorted Humor, is cataloged to be sold at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

Boisterous, winner of the last two Knickerbockers, completed preparations for the race by working a half-mile in 48.12 seconds, according to Daily Racing Form , on Monday morning over the outer turf course. Working on the outside of Admiral Perry, Boisterous was in hand throughout the move.

After winning the Man o’ War, Boisterous finished eighth as the 9-5 favorite in the Sword Dancer at Saratoga and third as the 4-5 favorite in the Bowling Green. Trainer Shug McGaughey entered Boisterous back in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic on Sept. 28 but scratched him.

“I didn’t think he was right to run; I think he is now,” McGaughey said.

Though Boisterous has done well at marathon distances, he is a three-time winner at the Knickerbocker distance of 1 1/8 miles.

“He was sharp enough today where I’m not worried about coming off the longer races,” McGaughey said.

Others pointing to the Knickerbocker include Grand Arch, London Lane, Mr. Commons, and Tetradrachm. Possibles include Bombaguia, Plainview, Sky Blazer, and Za Approval.

Cluster of Stars works

No decision has yet been made on whether Cluster of Stars will be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. On Monday, the 4-year-old Greeley’s Galaxy filly gave every indication she’ll be ready if owner Harvey Weinstein decides to go.

Cluster of Stars, undefeated in six career starts, breezed five furlongs in 1:00.88 Monday morning over Belmont’s main track, getting her first quarter in 26.11 seconds under exercise rider Jesus Vinegas and her final three furlongs in 34.77 seconds.

“I thought she breezed great, in hand, easy, well within herself,” said Toby Sheets, Asmussen’s New York-based assistant. “Came back bouncing.”

Sheets said that “no decisions have been made” regarding the Breeders’ Cup, though variables including a cross-country ship and a $100,000 supplemental nomination fee make it a tough call.

“If it was here, it would be an easy decision,” Sheets said. “Going completely across country, you know it’s going to be hard on her or anyone coming from here.”

Two-year-olds to watch

Cairo Prince and Master Lightning are a pair of 2-year-olds who are not Breeders’ Cup bound but that bear watching following their maiden wins over the weekend.

Cairo Prince, a son of Pioneerof the Nile trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, won a six-furlong maiden race by 2 3/4 lengths on Sunday, defeating 2-5 favorite Harpoon. He ran six furlongs in 1:10.21 and earned an 83 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He ran huge,” McLaughlin said. “I thought he broke real well, he sat there, and turning for home he drew off.”

McLaughlin said Cairo Prince would be pointed to the Grade 2, $200,000 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct on Nov. 3.

On Saturday, Master Lightning, a son of Pulpit, won a 1 1/16-mile maiden race by 1 3/4 lengths, covering the distance in 1:44.23 and earning a 76 Beyer Speed Figure. He was most impressive galloping out as jockey Rosie Napravnik had a difficult time pulling him up.

“He doesn’t seem to get tired,” trainer Todd Pletcher said.

Lezcano shines in comeback

A month out of the saddle had little impact on Jose Lezcano, who in his first week back at Belmont rode six winners, including in three Grade 1 stakes and four stakes overall.

Lezcano, who missed a month due to a broken wrist, went 6 for 40 in seven racing days beginning Sept. 28. His three Grade 1 victories were the Jockey Club Gold Cup (Ron the Greek), Flower Bowl Invitational (Laughing), and Frizette (Artemis Agrotera). He also won Sunday’s Grade 3 Miss Grillo aboard Testa Rossi.

His three Grade 1 wins are the most of any rider at this meet, and his $1,717,715 in purse earnings rank him second, behind only Javier Castellano.

Rosario returns Friday

Speaking of comebacks, Joel Rosario is named to ride three horses on Friday’s card at Belmont Park. It will be his first action since breaking his left foot in a spill at Saratoga on Aug. 23.

At the time, Rosario was the leading rider in North America by wins and purse money won. He now ranks third in those categories, though that doesn’t count wins he recorded in the Dubai World Cup and at Royal Ascot.

Rosario is named to ride Roman Invasion in Friday’s third, Funny Money in the fourth, and Julia Tutwiler in the seventh.