Kaigun faces Bobby’s Kitten in Play the King repeat bid

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Kaigun captured the Grade 2, $200,000 Play the King Stakes last year with a strong rally down the stretch, but he’ll face a tough field Sunday in his quest to repeat in the seven-furlong sprint on Woodbine’s turf course.

Kaigun returned from a six-month layoff in the prep for the Play the King over 6 1/2 furlongs on July 31, finishing third behind Stacked Deck and Tower of Texas. Trainer Mark Casse said he was pleased with the effort, given the inside trip and the short distance, but added that there was room for improvement.

“He was kind of down inside,” he said. “That’s not his favorite distance either. If you were grading his race, I thought it was a B-plus. I thought it was good. I think he’s capable of better.”

Casse said Kaigun will use the Play the King as a prep for the Grade 1, $1 million Woodbine Mile on Sept. 13, a race in which he finished second to Trade Storm last year. Bobby’s Kitten, third in last year’s Woodbine Mile before capturing the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita last November, will be making his first start of the year in the Play the King after he was supplemented to the race by trainer Chad Brown.

Key contenders

Kaigun (Last 3 Beyers: 92-90-98)

* He lacked running room along the inside while stalking Stacked Deck in the July 31 prep and should benefit from the outside draw.

* A quick pace in front of him at seven furlongs should set him up well in the late going.

Bobby’s Kitten (Last 3 Beyers: 98-97-87)

* He has not raced since his score in the Breeders’ Cup but has been working regularly at Saratoga in preparation for his return.

* He raced on the lead in the Woodbine Mile but likely would be better suited coming from off the pace, as in the Breeders’ Cup.

Tower of Texas (Last 3 Beyers: 94-98-90)

* He had won his previous three starts, including the Grade 2 King Edward Stakes, before finishing a close second in the July 31 prep. He settled well off the early pace in that race and just missed after having to wait for racing room in deep stretch.

Stacked Deck (Last 3 Beyers: 96-92-100)

* He set quick fractions while taking the field gate to wire in the July 31 prep. He likely will find himself on the lead again here but might have company early and will have to hold off a trio of talented closers late.