Stallwalkin' Dude goes for elusive graded win in Bold Ruler

ELMONT, N.Y. – Stallwalkin’ Dude has yet to win a graded stakes, but it’s not due to a lack of effort. The 6-year-old City Place gelding has competed in nine graded events, finishing second or third in six, including a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Vosburgh at Belmont Park four weeks ago.

On Saturday, Stallwalkin’ Dude makes his 10th bid for a graded victory and seeks to become a millionaire when he heads a 13-horse field in the Grade 3, $200,000 Bold Ruler Handicap at Belmont. The Bold Ruler, at seven furlongs, shares top billing on a 10-race program with the Grade 3, $200,000 Turnback the Alarm Handicap for fillies and mares and the $100,000 Awad for juvenile males on turf.

Trainer and part-owner David Jacobson said he briefly considered the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for Stallwalkin’ Dude following his one-length loss to Joking in the Vosburgh. Last year, Stallwalkin’ Dude ran a pretty good race in the Sprint, beaten only 4 3/4 lengths, and had nothing to show for it.

Though Jacobson prefers to run Stallwalkin’ Dude at six furlongs, “he always surprises me at seven,” Jacobson said.

In his most recent start at seven furlongs, the Grade 1 Forego at Saratoga, Stallwalkin’ Dude finished third, 4 3/4 lengths behind A. P. Indian, the potential BC Sprint favorite.

Stallwalkin’ Dude is versatile enough to race on the lead or come from off the pace. Green Gratto, Cadeyrn, and Gentrify look to have the most early speed in the field.

Economic Model, Ami’s Flatter, and Touchofstarquality loom as the major threats to Stallwalkin’ Dude in a very contentious affair.

KEY CONTENDERS

Stallwalkin’ Dude, by City Place

Last 3 Beyers: 103-98-102

◗ He is a three-time winner at seven furlongs, the last time a front-running victory in the Claiming Crown Rapid Transit at Gulfstream last December, when he earned a 103 Beyer Speed Figure.

◗ He has run some of his best races at Belmont, including a third in last year’s Vosburgh, where he was beaten just a neck by winner Rock Fall.

◗ As the 121-pound highweight, he’s spotting three to eight pounds to the rest of the field.

Economic Model, by Flatter

Last 3 Beyers: 97-95-101

◗ Makes his first start since a runner-up finish to Drefong in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop at Saratoga.

◗ Missed the Grade 2 Kelso Handicap due to a temperature, according to trainer Chad Brown.

“I think seven is about as short as he wants to go,” Brown said. “I know he’ll get the mile, and I think the horse will go a mile and an eighth, actually.”

◗ Wore blinkers in his last start for the first time because Brown felt the horse was “running in spots in his races.”

Ami’s Flatter, by Flatter

Last 3 Beyers: 96-80-94

◗ He is 3 for 3 at seven furlongs on dirt, including a 2 3/4-length victory in the Grade 3 Commonwealth at Keeneland in the spring.

◗ Lost some position early and had a wide trip when finishing third in Grade 2 Phoenix at Keeneland last out.

◗ Gets a rider switch to John Velazquez, who won on him at Gulfstream in January.

Touchofstarquality, by Mineshaft

Last 3 Beyers: 104-99-100

◗ Seven furlongs is the shortest this 6-year-old gelding has ever run. Perhaps his connections are hoping that the speedy sprint types run away from him early and he can come from off the pace.

◗ He is 3-3-1 from seven starts at Belmont, including a late-running maiden win going a one-turn mile here in June 2013.