Jerkens probably next for Coal Front

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Though Coal Front most likely will make his next start in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial on Aug. 26 at Saratoga, trainer Todd Pletcher said Sunday that he will keep all options open regarding the undefeated 3-year-old’s next start.

Coal Front ran his record to 3 for 3 with a 1 1/2-length victory in last Saturday’s Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga. He has won his first three starts by a combined 10 3/4 lengths. Coal Front, a son of 2011 Travers winner Stay Thirsty, earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure for the Amsterdam.

Pletcher said the Allen Jerkens “would make sense” but added, “We’ll see how he does, keep all our options open for the moment.”

Coal Front has common ownership with Tapwrit, who is pointing to the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on the Aug. 26 card.

Hunter O’Riley eyes Kentucky Downs

When trainer Jimmy Toner entered Hunter O’Riley in last Saturday’s Grade 3, $250,000 Bowling Green Handicap at Saratoga, he said he would have been happy had the horse finished third.

But third wasn’t good enough for the horse himself, who rallied by Bigger Picture and Sadler’s Joy late to win the Bowling Green by a neck.

“Thrilled to death for him,” Toner said. “The horse tries all the time. He just gives you everything he’s got. It worked out good – he got there. Great trip, great ride, and we got lucky.”

While the Bowling Green is the prep for the Grade 1, $1 million Sword Dancer here on Aug. 26, Toner said that race “is a little salty.” Instead, he may look to run Hunter O’Riley, a Kentucky-bred son of Tiz Wonderful, in the Grade 3, $600,000 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9.

Hunter O’Riley earned a career-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure in the Bowling Green.