Wake Forest may be rusty for return

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The 8-year-old Wake Forest is certainly the most accomplished runner in Friday’s $85,000 allowance feature at Aqueduct. But there are ample reasons to take a stand against the Grade 1 winner in the 1 1/8-mile turf race.

Wake Forest won the Grade 1 Man o’ War in 2016, just his second start for trainer Chad Brown. In 2017, he won the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida at Gulfstream. But he would finish last in both the Man o’ Mar and Manhattan before going to the sidelines.

This will be Wake Forest’s first start in 10 months and it comes at a distance that is likely shorter than the German-bred son of Sir Percy prefers.

“It’s a starting point,” Brown said. “Not many options for a horse like this. It’s a good spot to run him and see where we are.”

Brown said that Wake Forest has trained “very enthusiastic” for his return to the races.

Among the main challengers to Wake Forest is Memories of Peter, who ended his 5-year-old season with an allowance win going 1 1/8 miles here last Dec. 2. He had been running at longer distances with some success. His trainer, Jim Ryerson, said he was happy to see Memories of Peter win from off the pace going shorter.

“He had been running well in marathons but never able to hold on,” Ryerson said. “He was able to adapt and run from off the pace last time. When we tried that going longer he had trouble quickening.”

Scholar Athlete and Designed for War, who are both in for the optional $80,000 claiming tag, look like they could be the pacesetters in what will be a seven-horse field on turf.

Tapitation, Highland Sky, and Postulation complete the field. Splashtastic was entered only to run on the main track.

KEY CONTENDERS

Memories of Peter, by Disco Rico

Last 3 Beyers: 96-98-90

◗ Was beaten only a length when fifth in the Grade 3 Red Smith here last November and then came back with a different running style when wining an allowance race at Friday’s 1 1/8-mile distance.

Shows only three works, but was legged up on the farm before coming to Ryerson.

“I think he’s pretty fit,” Ryerson said.

◗ Ryerson’s numbers bringing back horses off a 61- to 180-day layoff on turf are not good – 1 for 24 the last three years with a $1.34 ROI.

Wake Forest, by Sir Percy

Last 3 Beyers: 96-86-102

◗ Has not been out since running last in the Grade 1 Manhattan in June.

◗ This is the shortest distance at which he’s run since coming to the U.S, but it’s also the easiest race in which he’s run.

◗ Javier Castellano, aboard for the horse’s Mac Diarmida win in 2017, is back on.

Scholar Athlete, by Einstein

Last 3 Beyers: 93-81-91

◗ Has won two of his last three starts, both at Tampa Bay Downs, both on or close to the lead.

◗ Shows a solid work tab at Palm Meadows since his last race.