Jazil's distance a question for Micromanage

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Micromanage, who perhaps ran the best race of his career when he won the Queens County Stakes last month at Aqueduct, will run back in Monday’s $100,000 Jazil Stakes here, trainer Todd Pletcher said Wednesday.

Micromanage won three races from 11 starts in 2014, all at 1 1/16 miles or longer. He won the Birdstone Stakes at 1 3/4 miles at Saratoga and the Grade 3 Skip Away Stakes at 1 3/16 miles at Gulfstream. The Jazil will be run at a mile and 70 yards.

“The horse is doing well,” Pletcher said. “A mile and 70 is shorter than ideal for him, but I suppose if he gets a favorable pace scenario, it could work out. And he needs to run.”

Micromanage, a son of Medaglia d’Oro, earned a career-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure for his victory in the Queens County.

Entries for the Jazil are to be taken Friday. Among those expected to run are Abraham, Casiguapo, Schivarelli, Turco Bravo, and either Wealth To Me or Stormin Monarcho. Elnaawi is possible for the race.