Way Striking can turn tables in John Bullit Stakes

Handicappers might be exhausted by the time they get to it, but the $50,000 John Bullit Stakes on Friday night at Canterbury is a nice little race.

The John Bullit, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on dirt, is the 12th of 13 races Friday and is scheduled for 10:22 p.m. Central. Since the Canterbury meet ends Saturday, the entry box for Friday’s marathon card overflowed, with 158 entrants in those 13 races.

The only short field on the card is in the John Bullit, which drew six entrants, including the top three finishers from the off-the-turf Brooks Field Stakes on Aug. 26. Patriots Rule won that race, with Way Striking second, and Malibu Pro third, but Way Striking rates the edge Friday.

Way Striking looked like he could lead the Brooks Field but got pinched back at the start and wound up dueling on a strong pace. Having put away his pace rivals while making his first start in more than two months, Way Striking fought back when stablemate Patriots Rule closed into contention, but was beaten a half-length. With a better start, he stands a good chance of turning the tables Friday.