You're to Blame comes off layoff in optional-claiming feature

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Sunday’s 11-race program is topped by the 10th event, a 1 1/16-mile allowance with a $62,500 claiming option that lured a stakes-caliber field headed by the Todd Pletcher-trained You’re to Blame, the old pro Mr. Jordan, and speedy Jay’s Way.

You’re to Blame has not started since finishing second going 1 5/8 miles in the Temperence Hill Invitational last fall at Belmont Park. The long-winded son of Distorted Humor had captured the Grade 3 Greenwood Cup at Parx four weeks earlier.

“We found his specialty was longer races and we just needed a spot to start him back off the bench,” said Pletcher. “He got sick on us after his last race, ended up losing some weight when we started him back, so at that point we just decided to give him some time off and point for a summer program with all the marathon races around. He’s probably about 80 percent cranked up for this start, but I think he could win on his class and talent alone. Either way, we’re hoping this sets him up for a race like the Brooklyn, which is our first real goal.”

Mr. Jordan has been off form this season, finishing far back in both the Sunshine Millions Classic and Grade 3 Hal’s Hope here. Overall, the son of Kantharos has won 10 of 36 starts and bankrolled more than $830,000, with his most recent victory coming in the Sunshine Millions Classic Preview last fall at Gulfstream Park West.