Distaff softer comeback spot for Cavorting

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – There was too much going against Cavorting for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin to feel comfortable running her in the Grade 1 Madison on April 9 at Keeneland.

Moreover, with a solid alternative in which to bring her back to the races, it was a no-brainer for McLaughlin to scratch Cavorting from the Madison in favor of Sunday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct.

Cavorting, the winner of last year’s Grade 1 Test at Saratoga, likely will be favored against six rivals in the Distaff, scheduled for seven furlongs over the main track.

In the Madison, Cavorting drew the rail in a 13-horse field that included four other Grade 1 winners.

“It was a real tough race,” McLaughlin said. “We decided to scratch and head this way because she’s already a Grade 1 winner. She’s doing very well.”

In addition to the Test, Cavorting won the Grade 2 Prioress last summer. She had post 14 in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint and could only manage fourth as the 3-1 favorite. She ended her campaign with a third-place finish in the Grade 1 La Brea at Santa Anita.

McLaughlin said Cavorting never went out of training and has been working weekly since Feb. 23.

“She trains aggressive anyway,” said McLaughlin, who added that fitness “should not be” an issue.

Cavorting, who breaks from post 4, carries 122 pounds, spotting 4 to 10 pounds to the rest of the field.

Trainer Michelle Nevin sends out the uncoupled entry of Paulassilverlining and By the Moon. Paulassilverlining comes off a second in the Correction last month, while By the Moon, the Grade 1 Frizette winner in 2014, makes her first start since finishing third to Cavorting in the Test last August.

Completing the field are Bar of Gold, second to Cavorting in the Test and Prioress, My Savannah Belle, La Madrina, and Madam Aamoura.

KEY CONTENDERS

Cavorting, by Bernardini

Last 3 Beyers: 85-87-100

◗ Makes her first start off a 108-day layoff. She won the Test off a 64-day layoff.

◗ Likely to stalk the speed of Madam Aamoura, Bar of Gold, or Paulassilverlining.

By the Moon, by Indian Charlie

Last 3 Beyers: 84-92-78

◗ She has been sidelined since last summer due to cannon-bone bruising. She had been entered in allowance races in New York and out of town that didn’t fill.

“She’s doing pretty good, and she needs to run,” Nevin said.

◗ She finished ahead of Cavorting in winning the Frizette at 2.

◗ Comes off a 253-day layoff for a trainer who is 6 for 34 off layoffs of greater than 180 days over the last three years.

Paulassilverlining, by Ghostzapper

Last 3 Beyers: 96-106-82

◗ Ran a monster race in winning a high-priced optional claimer Feb. 11 before receiving a hesitant ride from Jose Ortiz in the Correction, where she was beaten at 2-5.

“He probably should have gone on with her in there, but as it turned out, she still ran well,” Nevin said.

◗ Ortiz may be best served by using this filly’s speed from the rail Sunday.