Maleeh tries to regain best form
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Once upon a time, Maleeh had the look of a promising sprinter, even coming within a length of the Grade 1 winner Honor Code in a six-furlong race in the fall of 2014.
Away from the races for 11 months – and having not won a race in nearly three years – Maleeh returns to action Sunday at Aqueduct trying to jump-start his career in a $69,000 second-level allowance, race 8 on a nine-race card.
Maleeh, a 6-year-old son of Indian Charlie trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, meets five rivals, including the well-traveled Eighty Three.
In his last race, Maleeh finished fifth and was vanned off the track as the 3-2 favorite at this same condition last March 26. McLaughlin said Maleeh “jarred himself up” that day and was given ample time off. He actually returned to the work tab in late November at Palm Meadows, and after four breezes there, he was shipped to New York around the first of the year for an allowance spot that failed to fill.
“We got plenty of works in him down here, then sent him up for a race that didn’t fill,” McLaughlin said from Florida. “He kept working there, and he’s doing very well. Looks like a good spot for him.”
Maleeh has had five breezes at Belmont Park while waiting for this race to fill.
Irad Ortiz Jr. rides Maleeh from post 4.
Eighty Three, trained by David Jacobson, won a first-level allowance race here Jan. 9, then was shipped to Santa Anita, where he finished second in a second-level allowance going 6 1/2 furlongs over a wet-fast track. He was shipped back to New York on Tuesday.
“That looks like the right spot for him,” Jacobson said from California.
KEY CONTENDERS
Maleeh, by Indian Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 86-90-87
◗ He has not won a race since taking the Fred “Cappy” Capossela in March 2013.
◗ McLaughlin is 4 for 16 over the inner track during the last five years with horses returning from a layoff of greater than 180 days, according to DRF Formulator.
Eighty Three, by Harlan’s Holiday
Last 3 Beyers: 89-95-90
◗ Never worse than third in seven career starts, he has a win and a second in two starts over the inner track.
Monty Haul, by With Distinction
Last 3 Beyers: 86-90-87
◗ Could play out as the primary speed from the rail while going first off the claim for trainer Steve Klesaris.
◗ Worse than third only six times in 29 starts but makes his New York debut in this spot.