Stallwalkin' Dude still targeting Dubai Golden Shaheen

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Though Stallwalkin’ Dude finished third behind Green Gratto in Monday’s Grade 3 Toboggan Stakes, trainer and co-owner David Jacobson still hopes the gelding can make it to Dubai for the $2 million Golden Shaheen on March 25.

Jacobson is considering sending Stallwalkin’ Dude to Santa Anita for the Grade 2, $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes on Feb. 4 as a prep for Dubai. Jacobson said he first wants to evaluate how Stallwalkin’ Dude comes out of the Toboggan, in which he was beaten just a neck after being forced to steady entering the far turn.

“Right now, he’s okay,” Jacobson said Wednesday. “When they get a rough trip like that, you just want to make sure they’re okay and up for the trip.”

Jacobson also wants to get a line on who will run in the Palos Verdes. Kobe’s Back probably won’t run, his connections said. Masochistic could run in the Palos Verdes, though as a California-bred, he is also eligible for the California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita on Jan. 28.

Other potential spots for Stallwalkin’ Dude include the Grade 3, $250,000 General George at Laurel on Feb. 18 or the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool at Aqueduct on March 11.

“I’m keeping my options open,” Jacobson said. “Those are definitely possibilities, too. The ultimate plan is Dubai. I want to figure out what would be best to get me to Dubai in really good form.”

◗ The $100,000 Rego Park Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-old sprinters did not fill, so there will not be a stakes race Saturday at Aqueduct.

There were only nine nominations to the Rego Park, carded at six furlongs. Two of the key nominees, Bavaro and Caledonian, are targeting the $100,000 Gander Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds at a mile and 70 yards on Jan. 28.