McCraken among Wilkes horses headed to Saratoga

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McCraken could make his next start in the Grade 1 Whitney on Aug. 4 at Saratoga as trainer Ian Wilkes prepares to send most of his best horses to both coasts from his Churchill Downs base.

McCraken, third as the favorite last Friday night in the Cornhusker at Prairie Meadows, will be part of a 20-horse contingent going to Saratoga.

“If everything goes well in his training, we’ll think about the Whitney,” said Wilkes.

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Mr Cub is being pointed to a possible run in the Grade 1 Fourstardave on Aug. 11 at Saratoga. Done Deal, a four-length winner of the Iowa Sprint, likely goes next in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt on July 28 at Saratoga. Fort Peck, sixth in the Iowa Derby and still eligible for a first-level allowance, will stay put at Churchill “for something easier,” said Wilkes, while Bonnie Arch, winner of the Ellis Park Turf last Saturday, runs back in the Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf on Aug. 5 at Ellis.

Meanwhile, Wilkes will have a presence at the upcoming Del Mar meet when he sends six horses in the care of his son Brodie.

“They’re leaving Sunday,” said Wilkes.