The state-bred breeding program in New York will take center stage on Sunday at Belmont Park with the 21st edition of the $150,000 Bertram F. Bongard Stakes. Restricted to two-year-olds bred in New York, the seven-furlong contest has drawn a field of six.
Topping the field at morning line odds of 9-5 is Bullheaded Boy for trainer Todd Pletcher. Purchased for $115,000 at OBS in March by Gary Barber, the two-year-old son of Bullsbay won his debut effort over a sloppy track as the heavy favorite at Saratoga. He was third in the Funny Cide Stakes in his first try against winners. John Velazquez will remain aboard and the pair will break from post five.
Second choice at morning line odds of 2-1 is Market Conduct. Purchased for $100,000 as a yearling, the bay colt is from the first crop of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. Trained by Chad Brown, he won his debut against state-bred maiden competition at Saratoga in August. Irad Ortiz, Jr. was aboard for his debut win and they will break from post position three for his first try against stakes competition.
Also in the field and breaking from the inside post at odds of 7-2 is Saratoga Heater. A $100,000 purchase in April for PR Racing, the bay son of Temple City will be making his first start for trainer Lisa Lewis. After a sixth-place finish behind Bullheaded Boy in his debut, he won at next asking at Saratoga to break his maiden. Joel Rosario will be aboard for the first time.
The Grade 2 $1.25 million Pennsylvania Derby features the two biggest names from the Triple Crown trail September 24 at Parx as a field of 12 gathers in one of the most intriguing betting races of the year.
The $1 million Cotillion Stakes September 24 at Parx features a true clash of the titans as the six-horse field is headlined by the undefeated, five-time grade 1 winner Songbird who figures to face the most stern challenge of her career.
In a completely wide open renewal of the Presque Isle Mile September 18 at Presque Isle Downs, 13 runners including the also-eligible will contest the eight furlong trip over synthetic footing.
Champion Songbird is set to make her much-anticipated return to the races in the $200,000 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita on Saturday. The Grade 2 event will be run at a mile and a sixteenth and has attracted a field of seven.
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