Dolphus, Rachel's half-brother, back for Curlin Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Dolphus, a half-brother to the champion Rachel Alexandra, was one of eight 3-year-olds entered Monday for Friday’s $100,000 Curlin Stakes at Saratoga.

Dolphus, a son of Lookin At Lucky trained by Joe Sharp for Dede McGehee, won two of his first three starts, all at Fair Grounds. He had some bone remodeling following his allowance win Jan. 31 and was rested for a summer campaign.

“We had a decision to make whether to press on and continue on the Derby trail, and there was no guarantee we would have gotten there, and we could have compromised the longevity of his career,” Sharp said.

Sharp said the horse was sent to Barry Eisaman’s Farm in Ocala, Fla., for time off and came back to Sharp in the spring. He’s had eight works since June 2, including a half-mile in 50.05 seconds over the Saratoga main track Sunday.

“He’s grown up a ton, been solid, definitely moving forward physically and mentally,” Sharp said. “We couldn’t ask for more going into this race.”

Brian Hernandez Jr., who has ridden Dolphus in all three of his starts, will ride him Friday.

The others entered in the Curlin are Connect and Gift Box from the Chad Brown stable; Ready Dancer and Uncle Vinny from the Todd Pletcher barn; Swipe, Forever d’Oro, and Majesto.