Justin Phillip favoured at 3 to 1 for the Vosburgh Invitational Stakes
Trained by Steven Asmussen for Zayat Stables, Justin Phillip will try his luck for the second time in the Grade 1, $400,000 Vosburgh Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park on 29 September, 2012, after being installed as the 3 to 1 morning line favourite.
The 4-year-old First Samurai colt participated in the 2011 edition of the Vosburgh Stakes, but failed to leave an impression as he finished as dismal sixth on the day to winner, Giant Ryan, who covered the distance in 1 minute and 9.10 seconds.
The 6 furlong sprint has reeled in a field of 10, 3-year-old and above colts and geldings, who will carry equal weights of 124 pounds.
Steven Asmussen will be a little perplexed going into the Vosburgh Stakes, regarding his runner’s inability to finish off races, despite getting himself into good positions.
Last time around in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, Justin Phillip failed to reel in the 36 to 1 choice Poseidon’s Warrior, who downed Justin Phillip to win and cover the 6 furlong distance in 1 minute and 9.40 seconds.
Prior to the Saratoga sprint, Justin Phillip finished a strong third in the Mr. Prospector Stakes at Monmouth Park, and back at Belmont he finished second yet again in the Grade 2 True North Handicap to winner Caixa Eletronica, who will keep Justin Phillip honest this time at Vosburgh as well.
Out of Cryptoclearance mare Ava Knowsthecode, Justin Phillip won his last race at Belmont Park, and it was an allowance optional claimer at about six furlongs this May.
Both Poseidon’s Warrior and Caixa Eletronica have entered the Vosburgh, along with the Nicholas Zito trained colt, Fort Loudon, who is coming off a strong second place finish in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop Stakes to winner, Willy Beamin on 25 August.
Fifth in the Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes, Fort Loudon won the Unbridled Stakes at Calder Race Course over a distance of six furlongs, and over the same distance and venue, he went on to bag the Grade 3 Carry Back Stakes.
The 6 furlong sprint will be an important race for Justin Phillip, who will be looking to change his luck and finally land a race for his connections.
Tags: