Ring Weekend might swing back in Bernard Baruch

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – After making just two starts in 17 months, Ring Weekend may make two starts in 16 days, as he is being considered for the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap here on Sept. 5.

Ring Weekend finished last as the 5-2 favorite in the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap here on Aug. 20.

“I didn’t feel like he got to run his race the other day, and he’s only run twice this year,” trainer Graham Motion said. “He got pinched at the start and kind of got taken out of his game.”

Ring Weekend had been plagued by foot problems that forced him to miss 14 months after winning the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita on March 7, 2015. In his comeback race, he was beaten a neck by Takeover Target in the Grade 2 Dixie at Pimlico on May 21.

Takeover Target is among those expected to run in the Bernard Baruch. Also likely to run are Blacktype, Jay Gatsby, Reporting Star, Shining Copper, Solemn Tribute, and Take the Stand.