Championofthenile targets Finger Lakes stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Championofthenile, who finished third as the favorite in last Sunday’s Bertram F. Bongard Stakes for New York-breds here, likely will make his next start in the $200,000 New York Breeders’ Futurity at Finger Lakes on Oct. 17, trainer Linda Rice said Friday.

Championofthenile earned a 94 Beyer Speed Figure when he won a maiden race for New York-breds by six lengths on the front end. In the Bongard, Championofthenile broke outward and found himself off the pace. He couldn’t run down Sudden Surprise, who went gate to wire.

“Maybe he bounced off the big race at Saratoga,” Rice said. “He ducked out pretty good at the start. Instead of being on the lead in 22 and 45 like his first start, he was trying to close into a 23-and-4, 47-and-1 pace. Odd race.”

Rice said she likely will put Championofthenile away after the Breeders’ Futurity.

Meanwhile, Rice reiterated that La Verdad is still expected to be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup. While the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint is the likely target, Rice said she will monitor the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for males as well. That race is at La Verdad’s preferred six-furlong distance but could come up with a ton of speed, including Private Zone and Runhappy.

Meanwhile, Rice said she plans to run Hot City Girl, the winner of the Charles Town Oaks, in the Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland on Oct. 18.