Firm turf key for American Patriot in Bernard Baruch

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Todd Pletcher has entered American Patriot in Monday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap, and provided the turf is firm, he will run him.

American Patriot, who won the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile at Keeneland in April, finished last of six in the Grade 1 Fourstardave just three weeks ago. Pletcher said jockey John Velazquez told him the son of War Front didn’t handle the yielding turf that day.

“Johnny said breaking from the gate, it bogged out from underneath him, and he never picked up his feet at all,” Pletcher said. “If it’s firm, we’ll run. If not, we’ll probably look for another option.”

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There is rain in the forecast for Sunday.

Luis Saez is named to ride American Patriot as Velazquez rides Delta Prince for trainer Jimmy Jerkens. Others entered in the Bernard Baruch are Forge, Glorious Empire, Heart to Heart, Highland Sky, Projected, and Ring Weekend, the winner of last year’s Bernard Baruch.