Saturday’s Philip H. Iselin Stakes (G3) drew an
evenly-matched field of eight colts and geldings, all attempting to take home
the winner’s share of the $250,000 purse.
This weekend’s running of the Iselin will be the 77th
renewal of the race that dates all the way back to 1884 when it was originally
called the Monmouth Handicap.
The historic race has featured a number of the sport’s most
recognizable names including the likes of Kelso, Forego, Spectacular Bid,
Alysheba, Serena’s Song, Skip Away and Ghostzapper.
Scheduled as the 10th race on a 12-race program,
the Iselin will feature the return of 2009 victor Chirac who will be making his
first start for trainer Pat McBurney on Saturday. The full field, from the rail out, with rider
assignments is:
1. Dueling
Alex (Michael Luzzi)
2. Chirac
(Channing Hill)
3. Where’s
Sterling (Paco Lopez)
4. Alma
D’Oro (Joe Bravo)
5. Ponzi
Scheme (Jose Valdivia, Jr.)
6. Southern
Ridge (Carlos Marquez, Jr.)
7. Pleasant
Prince (Elvis Trujillo)
8. Cactus
Charlie (Shannon Uske)