Big Handsome gets a chance to prove himself at a mile in Manila Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – So many people have told trainer Tony Dutrow that his 3-year-old Big Handsome is strictly a sprinter that he started to believe them. One person who differs with that opinion is jockey Javier Castellano, who seems to think that Big Handsome is more versatile than that.

On Tuesday at Belmont Park, Dutrow will find out if Castellano is right when Big Handsome attempts a mile for the first time in the $100,000 Manila Stakes for 3-year-olds on the turf. The Manila is the featured event on a nine-race July 4 program that begins at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.

Dutrow had hoped Big Handsome was a dirt horse, but after the colt lost three races on that surface, Dutrow transferred him to the turf. Big Handsome has gone 3 for 3 on grass, with wins at five, six, and seven furlongs. Big Handsome was most impressive coming from slightly off the pace to win the Paradise Creek by 5 1/4 lengths in his most recent outing.

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“When you watch it live, it looks like every time he’s moved up,” Dutrow said. “He’s coming into the race as good as I could expect him to be.”

Though Big Handsome did come from off the pace last time, Dutrow isn’t sure if he can do it again. He may not need to because there seems to be a lack of early speed in the Manila.

“Javier said the horse will relax very well, but as fast as he is, he’s got to be near the lead,” Dutrow said.

While Big Handsome is stretching out in distance, Secretary At War will be cutting back. After winning the Woodhaven at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Aqueduct, Secretary At War faded to seventh in the Grade 3 Pennine Ridge going 1 1/8 miles on turf at Belmont.

Completing the field are Bricks and Mortar, Dover Cliffs, Harlan’s Harmony, Holiday Stone, and Kitten’s Cat.

KEY CONTENDERS

Big Handsome, by Street Boss

Last 3 Beyers: 98-94-85

◗ He has really found a home on turf, rolling up three consecutive victories by a combined 13 3/4 lengths. Dutrow said he thought the horse had more talent than he was showing in the afternoon, “and turf was the answer.”

Secretary At War, by War Front

Last 3 Beyers: 82-86-84

◗ His two victories came on the front end, a position he couldn’t attain in the Pennine Ridge, with Oscar Performance going gate to wire. May have trouble wresting the lead from Big Handsome in this spot.

Dover Cliffs, by English Channel

Last 3 Beyers: 71-87-87

◗ It may not have made a difference, but he was pushed out in upper stretch by eventual winner Yoshida when finishing ninth in the James Murphy Stakes over “good” ground at Pimlico on May 20.

◗ He won the Cutler Bay going a mile at Gulfstream over firm turf in April.

Bricks and Mortar, by Giant’s Causeway

Beyers: 87-84

◗ Trained by Chad Brown, he beat Secretary At War at Gulfstream in February in his debut before validating that win with a solid allowance score going a mile here June 9.