Dark Cove, a profitable claim, and Bizzy Caroline, an
accomplished homebred, settled into Barn 60 North for Grade I stakes after
arriving here Sunday from Kentucky for trainer Ken McPeek.
“Both horses are feeling good and will work five furlongs
together Sunday,” said Alan Shell, assistant to McPeek.
Dark Cove is being readied for the $500,000 Hollywood Gold
Cup July 9 while Bizzy Caroline is targeting the $250,000 American Oaks July
16. Rafael Bejarano has the call on both.
“For the filly, it was the most logical spot, a Grade I,
she’s so strong right now,” said Shell of Bizzy Caroline, who recorded her
third straight turf victory in the Grade Regret Stakes at Churchill Downs June
18.
The Afleet Alex filly is owned by octogenarian Catesby Clay,
owner of Runnymede Farm, who named her after his two granddaughters.
Dark Cove, a 4-year-old colt, was claimed for $16,000 as a
maiden at Saratoga last August by McPeek for his Magdalena Racing and Joseph
Engelhart.
“Joe and Kenny put their heads together, and he’s turned out
to be a real good investment,” said Shell. “They’re playing with house money
now.”
Dark Cove, by Medaglia d’Oro, has won four of eight starts
and earned $182,447 since the claim. He is 2-for-2 on synthetic surfaces.