Good Samaritan in Met Mile mix

ELMONT, N.Y. – Good Samaritan, a multiple graded stakes winner on dirt going 1 1/8 miles, will turn back to a one-turn mile race when he runs in the Grade 1, $1.2 million Metropolitan Handicap on June 9.

Though it appeared Good Samaritan was pointing to the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on June 16, trainer Bill Mott said: “We’ve been thinking about the Met Mile all year. He ran well at a mile as a 2-year-old, albeit on turf, but we’ve always wondered ‘What if?’ This is our chance to try and find out.”

Joel Rosario has ridden Good Samaritan in all 12 of his starts, including victories in the Jim Dandy and New Orleans Handicap. But he is committed to ride Mind Your Biscuits in the Met Mile, so Jose Ortiz will ride Good Samaritan.

Others pointing to the Met include Awesome Slew, Bee Jersey, Bolt d’Oro, McCraken, Mind Your Biscuits, Ransom the Moon, Warrior’s Club, and potentially Limousine Liberal.