Knickerbocker is Plan B for Hi Happy

ELMONT, N.Y. – Hi Happy, who was scratched from the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic here Sept. 29 due to the soft turf course condition, was entered for Monday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Knickerbocker Stakes at Belmont Park.

Pletcher said he also is keeping an eye on the Grade 1, $800,000 Canadian International next Saturday at Woodbine, but he noted that the long-range forecast in Canada isn’t conducive to having firm ground. The Belmont turf courses have yet to be firm all meet, but with no rain forecast Saturday through Monday, the course could be in decent shape by Monday.

Pletcher said running in the Knickerbocker could keep Hi Happy in play for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

“That’s one of the considerations,” Pletcher said.

Hi Happy won the Grade 1 Man o’ War here earlier in the year as well as the Grade 2 Pan American at Gulfstream in March.

The Knickerbocker is run at 1 1/8 miles, the same distance as the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap, which was Hi Happy’s first start for Pletcher. Hi Happy was third in that race, beaten one length.

“He ran well the first time we ran him in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap,” Pletcher said.

Blacktype, winner of last year’s Knickerbocker, will be wheeling back 10 days after he won an allowance race here.

Others entered in the Knickerbocker include Aquaphobia, Inspector Lynley, Revved Up, and Night Prowler. Secret Passage was entered as a main track only.