Jewel Can Disco needs to avoid duel from the rail

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Everything had to go right for Jewel Can Disco when he took on the likes of Diversify and Pat On the Back in the $200,000 Commentator Stakes last May 28.

It didn’t.

After showing speed, Jewel Can Disco was swallowed up by Diversify, who ended up beating Pat On the Back by a nose in the one-turn mile race for New York-breds at Belmont Park. Jewel Can Disco finished last, beaten 13 3/4 lengths.

Further, Jewel Can Disco came out of that race with a partially paralyzed throat. Having since undergone a throat procedure to repair the issue, Jewel Can Disco returns to the races Thursday in a second-level/optional $62,500 claiming race going six furlongs that serves as the feature on the eight-race card. First post is 12:20 p.m. Eastern. This race, with only five horses, goes as the second and is not part of the pick six, which begins the day with a $22,799 carryover.

Jewel Can Disco had won two of his three most recent starts prior to his ill-fated attempt in the Commentator, including an open first-level allowance race at Belmont on April 28.

Jewel Can Disco’s weapon is his speed. The issue Thursday is that while limited in numbers, this field has several other early speed types.

“I would have liked to have had an easier race,” trainer Gary Gullo said. “Hopefully, it doesn’t get too hot up front.”

Though Gullo believes Jewel Can Disco can be effective from off the pace, the fact he drew the rail probably forces jockey David Cohen to go.

“He’s going to have to come out running,” Gullo said.

This will be Jewel Can Disco’s first start off a 199-day layoff. In July 2017, Jewel Can Disco won a maiden race at Belmont by 8 3/4 lengths off a 248-day layoff. Over the last three years, Gullo is 5 for 21 with a $5.80 ROI with horses returning for a layoff of 180 days or greater.

Angry Moon, directly to Jewel Can Disco’s outside, is a need-the-lead type. The 7-year-old son of Langfuhr is trained by Chris Englehart and is being offered for the $62,500 price. He is coming out of a second-place finish in a six-furlong turf race here on Nov. 4.

Ajnadeen, a 4-year-old son of Bernardini, did not have the cleanest of trips last out when fourth in his first try in this condition. He, too, looks like to be a forward factor, and will be ridden by Manny Franco.

Coltandmississippi, third in last year’s Jerome Stakes, goes first off the claim for Edward DeLauro while adding blinkers.

American Rule, who won two back but finished a well-beaten seventh in his next start, completes the field for trainer Gary Contessa.