Quiet Ruler due for annual wake-up

ELMONT, N.Y. - Quiet Ruler paid $93 and $42.80 in winning the last two runnings of the Mohawk Handicap on New York Showcase Day at Belmont Park. Quiet Ruler's form coming into Saturday's Mohawk looks bleak, but then again, he does his best when the odds are stacked against him.

is among 12 New York-bred turf horses entered in the 1 1/8-mile Mohawk.

The best finish this year from Quiet Ruler, who hasn't won a race in 10 starts since last year's Mohawk, was third in a steeplechase race in April.

Despite Quiet Ruler's record in the Mohawk, it seems prudent to look elsewhere in the field for a winner.

The main contenders are Irish Colonial, who finished last as the favorite over an extremely soft course in last year's Mohawk, and Golden Commander.

Irish Colonial carries 119 pounds as the highweight, one pound more than Golden Commander.

Phil Serpe, Golden Commander's trainer, is willing to throw out Golden Commander's loss as the favorite in the Ashley T. Cole on Sept. 25. Golden Commander finished seventh, beaten 8 1/4 lengths.

"He hurt his right stifle, probably coming out of the gate," Serpe said. "That issue has been resolved and we look forward to running him."

Golden Commander drew the rail and will be ridden by Edgar Prado. Golden Commander is coupled in the wagering with the Serpe-trained Buff Naked.

Irish Colonial has run some good races this year, but hasn't made it to the winner's circle in six starts. He has finished third in five of those races, including the Grade 2 Bernard Baruch.

John Velazquez rides Irish Colonial, who is trained by Randy Schulhofer, from post 4.

Certifiably Crazy is in good form and ran well to finish second behind Provincetown in the Ashley T. Cole. Last year, Certifiably Crazy was second to Stroll in the Grade 3 Calder Derby.

Save the Profit, a 3-year-old, makes his stakes debut after sailing through his New York-bred conditions for trainer Todd Pletcher.

"He ran well enough in allowance company to merit the chance to run here," Pletcher said. "A top race would put him in the picture."

With Velazquez, Save the Profit's regular rider, committed to Irish Colonial, Jose Santos picks up the mount on Save the Profit.

No Parole, who should offer betting value, has run well in two grass starts after making the switch from the dirt.