D'funnything gets class test in Ontario County Stakes

In two starts since he began racing for trainer Michael Ferraro, D’funnything has been dominant, crushing New York-bred maidens and open-company allowance sprinters by a combined 19 3/4 lengths.

D’funnything now will find out whether he can continue his success when he steps up to stakes company in Monday’s $50,000 Ontario County for 3-year-old New York-breds at Finger Lakes.

A half-brother to two-time stakes-winning sprinter Distinctive Trick, D’funnything will be wheeling back just 12 days after racing above his eligible condition in a nonwinners-of-three allowance. His 86 Beyer Speed Figure is the best last-race number in Monday’s field.

Championofthenile, third as the 9-5 favorite in last month’s seven-furlong Mike Lee Stakes at Belmont Park, will inherit the role of favorite in the Ontario County. Bust Another, the winner of the Mike Lee, was expected to scratch in favor of Sunday’s $100,000 New York Stallion Stakes at Belmont.

Championofthenile is returning to Finger Lakes for the first time since finishing second as the 1-5 favorite in last fall’s New York Breeders’ Futurity. His trainer, Linda Rice, is 2 for 12 in stakes at Finger Lakes over the past five years, including five horses who were beaten at 6-5 or lower.

Love That Jazz, who won last year’s $115,000 Aspirant for trainer Charlton Baker, comes into the Ontario County off a wire-to-wire win while making his 3-year-old debut in a first-level allowance at Belmont with an 83 Beyer.

Ontario County, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Championofthenile, by Pioneerof the Nile

Last 3 Beyers: 74-88-63

◗ In six lifetime starts, he has been the beaten favorite three times, including in two of his last three outings.

D’funnything, by D’Funnybone

Last 3 Beyers: 86-78-40

◗ Gets tested for class following two dominant wins locally. His half-brother, Distinctive Trick, won the Fred Capossela and Sonny Hine stakes going six furlongs. Should be prominent up front early with Championofthenile.

Love That Jazz, by Not For Love

Last 3 Beyers: 83-74-23

◗ Survived a duel to win his first start in six months. Baker is just 2 for his last 11 with 3-year-old last-out winners making their second start following a layoff.

Saratoga Giro, by Girolamo

Last 3 Beyers: 82-86-80

◗ He has won three straight locally but is 0 for 4 in races at six furlongs.