Keen Ice targets Clark Handicap

ELMONT, N.Y. – Though 2015 Travers winner Keen Ice finished third in his return to the races Friday at Belmont Park, trainer Todd Pletcher was satisfied enough with the result that the 4-year-old most likely will be pointed to the Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs on Nov. 25.

Keen Ice, in his first start since running eighth in the Dubai World Cup in March, showed late interest in rallying to be third, beaten four lengths, by the loose-on-the-lead Wake Up in Malibu, who ran a mile in a very fast 1:33.27.

Keen Ice, ridden by Javier Castellano, galloped out several lengths past the field.

“I was concerned that a mile might be too short for him, and there didn’t look like there was an abundance of speed in there,” Pletcher said Saturday. “After watching the races unfold throughout the day, it looked like we were even more up against it; it seemed to be a pretty speed-favoring track. I think considering all that and the layoff and everything, he ran very well. I thought he galloped out great. I think it sets up well for his next one.”

Pletcher said he needs to talk with owner Jerry Crawford but said the Clark Handicap seems logical because it’s at 1 1/8 miles around two turns.

The top three finishers from Friday’s race are all likely bound for different stakes.

Wake Up in Malibu, who earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure for the performance, likely will start in the $300,000 Empire Classic for New York-breds here on Oct. 22, trainer Charlton Baker said Saturday.

“It’s still a concern that it’s that close back, but I think he’ll be okay,” Baker said.

Adulator, who chased Wake Up in Malibu all the way around the track and settled for second, beaten 1 1/4 lengths, likely will start in the Grade 3, $150,000 Discovery for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct on Nov. 12.