Saratoga: Wine Police lands in softer spot in Distorted Humor

No one would have thought twice had the connections of Wine Police entered their 3-year-old in Saturday’s Grade 1 King’s Bishop. But they opted for an easier spot in Sunday’s $75,000 Distorted Humor Stakes at six furlongs.

Wine Police will face only four rivals in the Distorted Humor, including stablemate Chipshot.

“I just feel a lot more comfortable at three-quarters with him right now,’’ trainer Steve Asmussen said of Wine Police. “Hopefully, they both run their races and come out of it well and I think the Gallant Bob is an option for both of them after this.’’

The $250,000 Gallant Bob is run at six furlongs at Parx Racing on Sept. 24.

The likelihood of a wet track shouldn’t hinder Wine Police, who won his career debut here last year by 7 3/4 lengths over a track labeled good. After a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Hopeful, he went to the sidelines. He returned with a solid first-level allowance win at Churchill on June 24 before running a respectable third in the Grade 2 Amsterdam behind Caleb’s Posse and Redeemed.

“We hope we finish out the year strong with him,’’ said Asmussen, who trains Wine Police for Kirk and Judy Robison. “We had him up to a race this winter, got a quarter crack and were just in a position we had to let it grow out before we could resume and he missed some time. He’s obviously a very talented horse. We need to get back on with his life.’’

Robby Albarado rides Wine Police from the rail.

Chipshot, a son of Peace Rules owned by Vinery Stables and Charles Glasscock, is coming off a 2 3/4-length victory over Cal Nation in the Select Stakes at Monmouth Park on Aug. 6. That was his third win 13 career starts.

“Chipshot is a fairly accomplished and a very good 3-year-old sprinter,’’ Asmussen said. “His wet track form isn’t ideal.’’

Free Entry, Philipe, and Cal Nation complete the Distorted Humor field.