Dazzling Gem cranking up for winter campaign

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Dazzling Gem might not be at his absolute best when he returns to action Thursday at Keeneland after five months off, but getting a race into the colt is “the best way for us to move forward,” said trainer Brad Cox.

Dazzling Gem comes well drawn in post 2 among a field of nine in the eighth of nine Thursday races, a $64,000 second-level allowance at a mile on dirt. Robby Albarado has the call.

Dazzling Gem worked four furlongs in 48.20 seconds Sunday at Churchill Downs, and Cox said he was pleased with the work and the gallop-out.

“This is a good opportunity to get started,” he said. “If we didn’t run here, it probably would’ve been another three or four weeks before we could get the right kind of race for him.”

Dazzling Gem, owned by Steve Landers of Arkansas, was considered for the 3-year-old classics but was compromised in part by problems with his feet. He was third in the Louisiana Derby, fourth in the Arkansas Derby, and third in the Sir Barton on the May 21 Preakness undercard before being turned out.

“We basically gave him the summer off,” said Cox. “I love the way he’s come back. I haven’t tightened the screws on him 100 percent, but this is part of our plan to have him peaking for the big races at Oaklawn Park over the winter.”

Bird Song (post 1, Brian Hernandez Jr.) is among the other contenders in the feature. The Marylou Whitney homebred is trained by Ian Wilkes, who sent out winners on three straight Keeneland cards last week (Bird Sense at 1-2, Archanova at 43-1, and Burma Road at 3-1).

Two other allowances (races 7 and 9) help end a Thursday card that starts at the usual 1:05 p.m. Eastern. The 17-day fall meet ends Saturday with the lone remaining stakes, the Grade 2 Fayette.

KEY CONTENDERS

Dazzling Gem, by Misremembered

Last 3 Beyers: 90-88-83

◗ Blinkers go on the colt, who was highly impressive in winning his first two starts.

◗ Cox recently passed the $5 million earnings mark for the year.

Bird Song, by Unbridled’s Song

Last 3 Beyers: 88-90-80

◗ Wasn’t a threat at 35-1 in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop at Saratoga in his most recent start but clearly fits well in this spot, especially from the rail.

Dolphus, by Lookin At Lucky

Last 3 Beyers: 86-89-79

◗ A half-brother to Rachel Alexandra, he has had six breezes since his most recent start in August.

◗ He has valuable experience in both stakes and two-turn races.

Whateverbodywants, by Giant Oak

Last 3 Beyers: 81-94-89

◗ Kellyn Gorder-trained colt has been a bit player in the 3-year-old stakes ranks this year, finishing second in the West Virginia Derby and third in the Super Derby.