Curlin Stakes a possibility for Emancipation

ELMONT, N.Y. – Though Emancipation was beaten a half-length on Tuesday in his second start, trainer Shug McGaughey felt the race was even better than his debut win here last month. Emancipation, a full brother to 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb, finished third in his first try against winners but had a wide trip.

McGaughey said he plans to run Emancipation next at Saratoga.

“I thought it was better than his maiden race, to tell you the truth,” McGaughey said Friday. “The track was deep, which I was worried about all week. I think we’ll get him up there, run him a mile and an eighth. I think he’s going to lay closer.”

While still eligible for a first-level allowance race, Emancipation is also eligible to the $100,000 Curlin Stakes on July 28.

“The Curlin could be an option,” McGaughey said.

Everybodyluvsrudy and Caviar Czar, who finished in front of Emancipation, also are eligible for the Curlin.

McGaughey said that War Flag, who came off an 11-month layoff to win an allowance race here on June 18, will be pointed to the Grade 3, $100,000 Matchmaker Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 30. War Flag, owned by Joe Allen, earned a 90 Beyer Speed Figure for her half-length allowance win. She likely will have her second work since that race on Sunday. Last Sunday, she worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds.