McLaughlin will send out two in Vosburgh

ELMONT N.Y. – El Deal will be a heavy favorite in Saturday’s Grade 1, $350,000 Vosburgh Stakes, but the presence of so much speed in the field prompted trainer Kiaran McLaughlin to enter the New York-bred Celtic Chaos in the race. McLaughlin also has Takaful, one of the speed horses in the seven-horse field.

Celtic Chaos is 3 for 5 at Belmont Park, including a last-to-first victory in a field of 12 in the Affirmed Success Stakes here in April. This will be the 21st start for Celtic Chaos and his first against open company.

“We were going to wait for the Hudson, but we can do both,” said McLaughlin, referring to a sprint stakes on Oct. 21 restricted to New York-breds. “He’s doing really well, he’s coming off his lifetime best race on numbers, and the race looks good for one who wants to close. But there’s a big difference from New York-breds to a Grade 1.”

Takaful is coming off a runner-up finish to Practical Joke in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens going seven furlongs at Saratoga. He will break from post 4 under Jose Ortiz.

On Wednesday, Stallwalkin’ Dude blew out a swift three furlongs in 36.31 seconds over the Belmont training track, getting his last quarter in 23.50 seconds. Stallwalkin’ Dude drew the rail for the third time in his last four starts in the Vosburgh.

El Deal, winner of the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, drew post 2. Other speed types include Green Gratto (post 3), Takaful (post 4), and Mr. Crow (post 5). Weekend Hideaway drew post 7.

◗ Impressive Saratoga maiden winners Voting Control and Maraud will meet winners for the first time in the Grade 3, $200,000 Pilgrim Stakes for 2-year-olds on the turf. Maraud, trained by Todd Pletcher, won his debut on Sept. 2 at Saratoga going 1 1/16 miles, while Voting Control, trained by Chad Brown, won his debut going a mile at Belmont on Sept. 10.

The others entered were Evaluator, Looking Ready, Morrison, Stolen Pistol, and maidens Seabhac and Desert Stone.