Jazil to return in Aqueduct allowance

Belmont Stakes winner Jazil will make his long-awaited return to the races in a second-level allowance race over Aqueduct's inner track on Friday. Seven horses were entered against Jazil in the 1 1/16-mile race, which carries a purse of $48,000.

Jazil has not run since winning the Belmont on June 10. He was sidelined for two months with bruising to a hind cannon bone and did not return to training until early September. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is hoping to use Friday's race as a prep for the Gulfstream Park Handicap on March 3.

McLaughlin is also keeping Jazil in mind for the Donn Handicap on Feb. 3, but he is hoping to have Breeders' Cup Classic winner Invasor ready for that race. Both Jazil and Invasor are owned by Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Stable and are unlikely to run in the same race until later in the year.

This will not be Jazil's first appearance on the inner track. On Dec. 7, 2005, Jazil won an off-the-turf maiden race by a head over Tasteyville on the inner.

Though Jazil has had nine workouts since returning to training, McLaughlin isn't necessarily expecting a victory in the colt's first start in seven months. Jazil will break from post 8 under regular rider Fernando Jara.

"He doesn't necessarily have to win with the speed bias we've been seeing early," McLaughlin said.

Trainer Scott Blasi has an entry of Admiral's Arch and Wallstreet Scandal, while recent winners Chief Speed and Shmooo are also in the field.