Nashua next for El Kabeir

ELMONT, N.Y. – El Kabeir, who impressed in winning a maiden race at Saratoga before failing to handle the slop when fourth in the Grade 1 Champagne, will be pointed to the Grade 2, $250,000 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct on Nov. 2, trainer John Terranova said.

El Kabeir breezed on the turf at Belmont on Sunday but appeared to be bearing out a little in the work, which was done in company with Heaven’s Runway. Terranova said that El Kabeir may have been shying away from his workmate, and he thought that the horse handled the surface well. Regardless, El Kabeir will be kept on dirt for the time being.

“Before the [turf] season ended here, we wanted to get him over it,” Terranova said. “I think it was all right, just not for him at this point in time. He’s got a bit of growing up to do and everything, and we may have that in mind for him down the road. Right now, it’s the Nashua.”

Among those expected to run in the Nashua are Blofeld, the winner of the Grade 2 Matron, Savoy Stomp, and The Truth Or Else.