Constitution to try turf in Bernard Baruch

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Constitution, a multiple Grade 1 winner on dirt who has been away from the races since February, will make his return on Monday in the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap on turf at Saratoga, trainer Todd Pletcher said Wednesday.

Running in the Bernard Baruch gives Constitution the chance to possibly run two times before a bid in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 31 at Keeneland, Pletcher said. The Jockey Club Gold Cup on Oct. 3 at Belmont Park could be the target after the Bernard Baruch.

Constitution, a son of Tapit, has never raced on turf. He is 4 for 6 on dirt, including Grade 1 victories in the 2014 Florida Derby and this year’s Donn Handicap, both at Gulfstream. Following the Donn, Constitution sustained a shin injury while training for the Dubai World Cup.

The Bernard Baruch, at 1 1/16 miles, was chosen for Constitution after an allowance race on dirt at Saratoga failed to fill. Also, Pletcher thought Constitution wasn’t ready for last weekend’s Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park. This Saturday’s Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga at 1 1/8 miles “was not an ideal place to bring him back off a layoff,” Pletcher said.

“He’s ready to run,” Pletcher added. “We decided in order to get two races prior to the Breeders’ Cup, we need to get going.”

Constitution has not breezed on turf, nor does Pletcher plan to have him work on grass before Monday. In addition to being by Tapit, his damsire is Distorted Humor.

“Plenty of the Tapits turf,” Pletcher said. “His training on the synthetic at WinStar has been good. Hopefully, his class carries through and he performs well on it.”

Pletcher also plans to run Charming Kitten and All Included in the Bernard Baruch.