Bonus Points returns to turf in Awad

ELMONT, N.Y. – Bonus Points recorded his only victory in an off-the-turf maiden race at Belmont on Oct. 1. But he will be headed back to the turf in Saturday’s $100,000 Awad Stakes for 2-year-old males at a mile.

Bonus Points, trained by Todd Pletcher, debuted on turf, running fourth behind Oscar Performance, who came back to win the Pilgrim Stakes. While Bonus Points was beaten a total of 11 1/4 lengths in his debut, he was beaten only a length for second.

“He ran pretty well first time out, better than it looks,” Pletcher said.

Bonus Points drew post 3 in a nine-horse field and will be ridden by John Velazquez. Also in the field are Bookew Bucks, D’yer Maker, Frostmourne, Harlan’s Harmony, Heaven Is Waiting, Hot and Heavy, Royal by Nature, and Undulated.