Kanthaka possible for Bing Crosby Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Kanthaka, a winner of two stakes for 3-year-old sprinters this year, may have his first start against older horses in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on July 28.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said on Thursday that Kanthaka has returned to his California stable after being withdrawn from the Grade 2 Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park last Saturday because of a foot ailment.

The $300,000 Bing Crosby is run at six furlongs and is part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program, offering a fees-paid berth for the winner in the BC Sprint at Churchill Downs on Nov. 3.

Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Kanthaka has won 3 of 6 starts and earned $263,663. He won two stakes at seven furlongs at Santa Anita this year – the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes in February and the Grade 3 Lazaro Barrera Stakes in May.

American Gal to undergo tests

American Gal is scheduled to undergo a battery of precautionary tests after finishing last of five in the Grade 3 Bed o’ Roses as a heavy favorite at Belmont Park on June 8.

“We’re being ultra-conservative,” trainer Simon Callaghan said. “We’re running tests in the next few days.”

Owned by Kaleem Shah, American Gal struck the gate at the start of the $250,000 Bed o’ Roses for fillies and mares at seven furlongs. The 4-year-old filly was third for the first half-mile before fading to finish 12 3/4 lengths behind Lewis Bay.

Callaghan said “missing the break and getting in tight” contributed to the loss.

American Gal has won two Grade 1 races – the Test Stakes at Saratoga last August and the Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs on May 5. American Gal has won 5 of 9 starts and earned $912,480.