Dads Caps set to return in Toboggan

The Grade 1 winner Dads Caps, unraced since a third-place finish in the Grade 2 True North on Belmont Stakes Day, is expected to return to the races in the Grade 3, $150,000 Toboggan Stakes at Aqueduct on Jan. 17, trainer Rudy Rodriguez said Wednesday.

If so, he could run into a familiar nemesis in Salutos Amigos, who defeated Dads Caps in the Toboggan and two other inner-track stakes last winter. Trainer David Jacobson said Wednesday that he is considering flying Salutos Amigos back to New York from California for the Toboggan.

After finishing second to Salutos Amigos three straight times, Dads Caps won the Grade 1 Carter – while Salutos Amigos went to Dubai – over Aqueduct’s main track in April. Following the Carter, Dads Caps finished third behind Rock Fall and Stallwalkin’ Dude in the True North.

Having been in training for almost two years straight, Dads Caps was given a break following the True North. During his time off, Dads Caps had a bone chip removed from a knee, Rodriguez said.

“Believe me, we could’ve kept going with him, but he had never had a break, and [owner Vincent Scuderi] wanted to turn him out,” Rodriguez said. “Hopefully, he comes back better than before.”

Dads Caps has had eight works since Nov. 6, including several bullet moves over the inner track.

Other notable names nominated to the Toboggan include Favorite Tale, Green Gratto, and Mean Season.

Marriedtothemusic, who recently returned from a lengthy layoff to win an allowance race, also was nominated, but trainer Linda Rice said she likely will look for an easier spot.