Pletcher considering Speak Easy for Allen Jerkens

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Speak Easy, who came off a six-month layoff to win a first-level allowance race by 2 1/4 lengths here on Saturday, will be considered for the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens on Aug. 24, trainer Todd Pletcher said.

Speak Easy, a son of Constitution, won a seemingly loaded maiden race at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 27 and was entered in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on March 2 but was scratched when he ran off in the post parade, hit the inside rail, and suffered a few cuts. Speak Easy then had another minor setback when Pletcher was trying to continue his training.

“What should have been a relatively short time, turned out to be longer than we hoped,” Pletcher said.

Speak Easy’s maiden win came at seven furlongs. Saturday’s victory was at six furlongs, where he came from midpack before drawing off late. Speak Easy covered six furlongs in 1:11.17 and earned a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. He had earned a 100 for his maiden score.

“I was really pleased. I was a little concerned with coming back at six furlongs, but he handled it well,” Pletcher said.

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