On Saturday
– Rockport Harbor returns from a nine-month layoff in the Essex. “He’s been training very well,” said owner Rick Porter. “He’s gained some weight, and we’ve seen a lot of positive things. All systems are go.”
– This could be the year for California fillies in the Kentucky Oaks, if the Las Virgenes field is anything to go by. Wild Fit, second to Folklore in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, will start, as will Dimplomat Lady, upset winner of the Starlet.
– Count Fleet winner Achilles of Troy looks like a lock in the Whirlaway. A very confident owner Ernie Paragallo says the $65,000 stakes over Aqueduct’s inner track will be Achilles’ last easy start. “After this race we’ll go tackling more talented competition.”
