Turf allowance is right in White Flag's wheelhouse

ELMONT, N.Y. – White Flag will be returning to his favorite turf course, cutting back to his preferred distance, and reuniting with a jockey who has won on him three times when he runs in a stakes-caliber allowance race Friday at Belmont Park.

White Flag is one of four stakes winners in this race, which drew seven runners for turf and two others who would run only if the race is transferred to the main track. The $87,000 multiconditioned allowance/optional $100,000 claimer is scheduled for seven furlongs on the Widener turf course.

White Flag, a 5-year-old son of War Front, is 4 for 7 over Belmont’s turf, including a victory in the six-furlong Allied Forces Stakes here in 2017 and an allowance win at seven furlongs last July 11. In his lone start this year, White Flag attempted one mile in the Grade 3 Tropical Park Turf at Gulfstream Park, fading to fourth, beaten three lengths, after setting the early pace.

“I tried the mile. Jose [Ortiz] rode him that day, and it was an aggressive ride where he was in front a touch quick – that was a mistake,” trainer Christophe Clement said. “He’s run very well at Belmont in the past.”

Clement has named Joel Rosario to ride White Flag. Rosario has been aboard for three of White Flag’s five wins.

Clement said White Flag has been away from the races four months due to foot issues.

“I’ve been struggling with his feet to get him ready, but he’s finally doing well,” Clement said. “I hope he’s fit enough to run. I know he’s good enough to run.”

Clement said he would prefer to run White Flag over firm turf.

This field includes Gidu, the winner of the 2018 Paradise Creek Stakes going seven furlongs here, and Big Handsome, the winner of the 2017 Paradise Creek. Neither horse has won since their victories in those races.

Big Handsome finished third as the favorite in the Elusive Quality Stakes going seven furlongs here April 27. Trainer Tony Dutrow said he thought jockey Manny Franco had Big Handsome closer to the early pace than necessary. Javier Castellano rides Big Handsome on Friday.

“It’s been a long time since Big Handsome has cracked the gate and he’s there,” Dutrow said. “He doesn’t have that zip. Javier will place him nicely, and hopefully he’ll finish up.”

Gidu, trained by Todd Pletcher, will likely be the one to catch under John Velazquez. He is making his first start since finishing fifth in the Mathis Brothers Mile going two turns at Santa Anita last Dec. 26. He could face some pressure from California Night if that horse transfers the speed he showed on dirt to the grass.

From July 8 through Nov. 1, 2017, Master Merion reeled off four consecutive victories, including stakes wins at Kentucky Downs and Del Mar. That win streak began in a seven-furlong maiden race at Belmont, one race after he was beaten a half-length by White Flag in a maiden race. Master Merion is winless in his last seven starts.