J S Bach returns from long absence in sprint for Florida-breds
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – J S Bach is back.
J S Bach has not started since recording a sensational 8 1/2-length maiden win in his 3-year-old debut here at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 17, and his presence makes Friday’s ninth race, a first-level optional $12,500 claiming race restricted to Florida-breds, the most anticipated race on a program that also includes a $44,000 allowance at one mile.
J S Bach, a son of Tale of the Cat, finished second behind R Limo Joe despite earning a 92 Beyer Speed Figure when launching his career as a 2-year-old last December. He stretched out to 1 1/16 miles for his 3-year-old debut and overcame a bit of trouble at the start to lead at every call en route to an easy victory, posting an 86 Beyer while winning with something left at the end.
That performance was good enough to briefly put J S Bach on the Kentucky Derby trail. But some subsequent bad luck put an end to that dream. First, a scheduled start in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park was canceled after the race was postponed due to a winter storm. His next objective became the Risen Star at Fair Grounds, but he spiked a fever the week of the race.
Trained by Todd Pletcher for owner and breeder Donald Dizney, J S Bach has prepared for his return at Belmont Park, where he concluded a long series of works with a five-furlong breeze in 1:02.40 over the training track one week ago.
The lightly raced J S Bach could have his hands full trying to fend off Valid Concept in this six-furlong sprint. A seven-time winner, Valid Concept was haltered by trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. for $10,000 out of a winning effort going a mile here Aug. 28. In his most recent start, Valid Concept finished second, beaten three lengths by Abounding Legacy, going seven furlongs Sept. 13.
Race 9
Key Contenders
J S Bach (Last 2 Beyers: 86-92)
◗ The only horse to defeat him, R Limo Joe, was subsequently purchased privately after the race but has yet to make another start.
DRF Formulator Fact: Pletcher owns a 28 percent success rate, with a return on investment of $1.90, with horses returning from layoffs of six months or longer over the past five years.
Valid Concept (Last 3 Beyers 84-85-60)
◗ He has been claimed five times, for prices ranging between $6,250 and $10,000, out of his last seven starts.
◗ Has never been sharper, with the Beyer Speed Figures of 84 and 85 he posted in his last two starts being the best of his 41-race career.