Stallwalkin' Dude, Green Gratto meet again in Toboggan Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Stallwalkin’ Dude and Green Gratto have combined to win 24 races, including eight stakes, from 98 starts and earn $1.9 million. The pair of 7-year-olds will be front and center again in Monday’s Grade 3, $125,000 Toboggan Stakes going six furlongs at Aqueduct.

Green Gratto is the one to catch. Stallwalkin’ Dude is the one to beat.

Green Gratto has not been able to solve Stallwalkin’ Dude the last three times they’ve met. Last month, Stallwalkin’ Dude rallied from off the pace to run down Green Gratto and beat him two lengths when they ran 1-2 in the $100,000 Gravesend.

A similar scenario likely will exist Monday, when Green Gratto, who breaks from the rail under Kendrick Carmouche, will try to wire the field while Stallwalkin’ Dude, drawn toward the outside, will try to run him down under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Green Gratto’s chances improved somewhat since The Great War will scratch from the Toboggan to run in next Saturday’s Forego Stakes at Turfway Park, according to trainer Wesley Ward. The Great War outsprinted Green Gratto for the early lead in the Grade 3 Fall Highweight, in which Green Gratto finished fourth.

“I was hoping to hear that,” said Gaston Grant, trainer and co-owner of Green Gratto. “I think he’ll be dangerous.”

Stallwalkin’ Dude has maintained consistent form since August, with three wins, two seconds, and a third in six stakes. Since trainer David Jacobson claimed him for $16,000 on Sept. 20, 2014, Stallwalkin’ Dude has won 16 of 33 starts, with six seconds, six thirds, and earnings of $1,108,150.

As the 123-pound highweight, Stallwalkin’ Dude is conceding five pounds to Green Gratto.

“Every pound is a concern, but there’s a reason why I’m carrying the weight,” Jacobson said. “I got a nice horse.”

The wild card in the race is Story to Tell, who enters the Toboggan off two freaky good races, including a starter-allowance win by 5 1/4 lengths. He goes out for Rudy Rodriguez, who has hit a dry spell, riding an 0-for-17 skid midway through Saturday’s card, after a monster start to the meet.

All Star Red, Classy Class, and Life in Shambles complete the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Stallwalkin’ Dude, by City Place

Last 3 Beyers: 100-101-101

◗ Has been in razor-sharp form since August and continues to excel off a series of three-furlong blowouts every four days, including one in 38.50 seconds at Belmont on Saturday.

“He’s right on target,” Jacobson said.

◗ Has won two of his last three starts, and Heaven’s Runway, the horse who beat him a neck in the Fall Highweight, came back to win the Dave’s Friend Stakes at Laurel on Dec. 31.

Green Gratto, by Here’s Zealous

Last 3 Beyers: 96-94-91

◗ Has a solid record over the inner track, with 11 in-the-money finishes from 17 starts. He ran second last time over a sealed, muddy surface and should appreciate fast footing Monday.

◗ His trainer is cutting back his blinkers to a smaller cup commonly referred to as “cheaters.”

“The rider said he wants to see [the competition] a little earlier,” Grant said. “We’ll see how it works out.”

Story to Tell, by Bluegrass Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 100-89-89

◗ Has run two straight monster races and gets nine pounds from Stallwalkin’ Dude. Could show speed and perhaps be a hindrance to Green Gratto.