In Oklahoma (the state) for opening
day at Remington Park, trainer Donnie Von Hemel still had
his mind on Grade 2 Amsterdam winner Caleb’s
Posse, whom he is pointing toward a run in the Grade 1, $250,000
Foxwoods King’s Bishop for 3-year-olds on August 27.
The race is shaping up as one of the most contentious of the meet, with
2010’s 2-year-old champion Uncle Mo
and sprint star Flashpoint heading
an all-star cast that could also include the Bob Baffert-trained The Factor, Justin Phillip, Poseidon’s Warrior, Runflatout, and Wine Police.
Von Hemel had the son of Posse, owned by McNeill Stables, running in
route races most of the year, and he won the Grade 3 Ohio Derby in June and
placed second in the Grade 2 Rebel back in March. After a fourth-place finish
in the Iowa Derby, Von Hemel cut back Caleb’s Posse in distance, and he
responded with a sensational four-length score in the Amsterdam as the longest shot on the board at
12-1.
“That’s our plan,” said Von Hemel of the Foxwoods King’s
Bishop.
The trainer will work late-running Caleb’s Posse either Friday or
Saturday morning at Saratoga.
“It certainly should have pace in the race,” he said.
“It’s a tough spot, but the horse ran so good that last race. There
aren’t many seven-furlong races for 3-year-olds in the country.”