Inalienable Rights in pursuit of stakes win in Bertram F. Bongard

ELMONT, N.Y. – As well as Inalienable Rights has already run in his first two starts, trainer Mark Hennig believes the 2-year-old colt will get better with more distance. Friday, Hennig will begin to find out if he’s correct when Inalienable Rights gets to run seven furlongs in the $150,000 Bertram F. Bongard Stakes for New York-breds at Belmont Park.

Inalienable Rights will face only four rivals in the Bongard, which is a stepping-stone to the $250,000 Sleepy Hollow, run here at a mile Oct. 21.

Inalienable Rights, a son of Mission Impazible, won his debut going six furlongs July 14 at Belmont Park, rallying from five lengths off the pace to run down highly touted Howard Beach over a sealed, wet track. He came back six weeks later to run second to Aveenu Malcainu in the Funny Cide Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs. Aveenu Malcainu is pointing to the Grade 1 Champagne here Oct. 7.

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Hennig said he is looking forward to the seven furlongs of the Bongard.

“Definitely, and even farther down the road,” he said.

In addition to the added distance, Hennig believes racing experience will help Inalienable Rights.

“Seems like he’s lacking a little bit of focus,” said Hennig, who trains Inalienable Rights for Alan Brodsky. “Toyed with the idea of putting some blinkers on him, but I think he’ll come around on his own at this point.”

Junior Alvarado rides Inalienable Rights from post 3.

Battle Station and What a Catch look like the potential speed of the Bongard. Ultimateenticement and Alien Invasion complete the field.

With a field of only five, the Bongard will go as race 3 on Friday.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Inalienable Rights, by Mission Impazible
Beyers: 77-71

◗ Won his debut by 1 3/4 lengths in a race that produced two next-out winners.

◗ Could get a good trip behind potential speeds Battle Station and What a Catch

What a Catch, by Justin Phillip
Beyers: 75-75-55

◗ Chased a solid early pace in the Funny Cide Stakes and was run down for second by Inalienable Rights.

◗ Went 2 for 2 at Belmont during the summer meet.

Battle Station, by Warrior’s Reward
Beyer: 72

◗ Won his career debut sprinting on the turf at Saratoga.

“I think he just won on the grass because he’s a good horse,” trainer Wesley Ward said. “But he’s really a dirt horse.”

◗ Ward said he was surprised by how much speed Battle Station showed winning his debut.

“This guy is a big, imposing colt – a big, galloping guy,” Ward said. “For him to do what he did was an eye-opener for me. I really didn’t expect him to do that.”

◗ Kendrick Carmouche rides from post 4.