Bernin' Thru Gold tries one-mile distance in allowance

ELMONT, N.Y. – The Preakness-bound Bourbon War isn’t the only talented 3-year-old in trainer Mark Hennig’s shed row.

Bernin’ Thru Gold, a son of Bernardini, was extremely impressive in winning a maiden race by 15 3/4 lengths last month at Gulfstream Park. On Friday, Bernin’ Thru Gold faces winners for the first time in a first-level allowance race going a mile that serves as the feature on Belmont Park’s nine-race card.

Bernin’ Thru Gold debuted last June at Belmont, finishing third. He was vanned off following that race but was back on the work tab in September. Another setback kept him off the work tab for two months, and he didn’t make his 3-year-old debut until March at Gulfstream Park. Breaking from the rail in that race, Bernin’ Thru Gold leapt in the air when the doors opened, and though he rushed up to be close early on, he finished sixth, beaten 19 1/4 lengths.

Bernin’ Thru Gold came back April 6 at Gulfstream, broke alertly, and rolled to an eye-catching victory, covering 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.33 and earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 89.

“He seems like a horse that will want to stretch out,” Hennig said. “With two races under his belt, this looks like a good spot for him.”

Bernin’ Thru Gold will break from post 7 under Jose Lezcano in the nine-horse field.

The horse to beat may be Sniper Shot, who will break from the rail under Jose Ortiz. A debut winner at Gulfstream Park last July, he was away from the races until last month, when he lost a head bob to Pole Setter in a first-level allowance race in the slop at Keeneland. That race was at 6 1/2 furlongs.

“Last race was good, just missed a tough photo,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “I think he’ll appreciate stretching out a little bit.”

Family Biz and Direct Order, 1-2 in a starter allowance/optional claimer on April 5, and debut winner Mo Gotcha are others in here who look to have a chance.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sniper Shot, by Shackleford
Beyers: 93-48

◗ Lost a head bob in his first start off a nine-month layoff while finishing 3 1/2 lengths clear of third-place Borracho, who came back to win an allowance at Churchill Downs on Derby Day with a career-best Beyer of 89. Two Bit Kid, 10th in the allowance that Sniper Shot lost, came back to win an allowance at Mountaineer with an 81 Beyer.

◗ Overcame slow break to win debut last July at Gulfstream.

Bernin’ Thru Gold, by Bernardini
Last 3 Beyers: 89-33-68

◗ The break seems critical for a horse who has run well twice when he got away cleanly and didn’t run well when breaking poorly.

◗ Seems to be training forwardly and could have advantage with an outside draw.

Family Biz, by Fed Biz
Last 3 Beyers: 64-77-84

◗ Toss the Woodhaven last out on turf, and he looks to fit with these.

◗ Solid effort stalking the pace and outfinishing Direct Order by a half-length two back, going a mile on dirt at Aqueduct.