Brown enters formidable pair for Sunday's G3 Nashua

by Najja Thompson

After capturing the last four consecutive meet titles on the New York Racing Association circuit, trainer Chad Brown will look to start the Aqueduct Racetrack fall meet on a strong note by entering both U S Navy Cross and Network Effect in the Grade 3, $200,000 Nashua for juveniles going one mile on Sunday at the Big A.

A son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, U S Navy Cross was purchased for $550,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The Nashua will mark his second start following an impressive 1 ¼ length victory on his September 29 debut at Belmont Park.

"He's doing well," said Brown. "We're looking to get him more out in distance. A mile here and even further beyond after that. He's bred for it and has been training really well for this race."

Network Effect, sired by Mark Valeski and owned by Klaravich Stables, won his debut by three lengths on August 11 at Saratoga Race Course.

"He's had a longer time between starts here," said Brown. "He got sick for a little bit, but he seems to be back and training well."

Drawing the rail, U S Navy Cross will be ridden by Jose Ortiz. Network Effect will depart from post 4 with Hall of Famer Javier Castellano aboard.

Call Paul, conditioned by Jason Servis, will be looking to rebound off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Champagne for owners Michael Dubb, David Simon, Bethlehem Stables and Bruce Irom. The Friesan Fire bay graduated in his career debut on July 5 at Delaware Park and returned to win the Grade 2 Saratoga Special at the Spa before racing three-wide to finish third in the Champagne. Reuniting with regular rider Irad Ortiz, Jr., Call Paul will leave from post 6.

Trainer George Weaver will saddle Vekoma, for R.A. Hill Stable and Gatsas Stables. A son of Candy Ride, the $135,000 Keeneland September Yearling purchase made an impression at first asking, besting a field of eight to win by 1 ¾ lengths on September 23 at Belmont while recording a field-high 87 Beyer Speed Figure.

Rounding out the Nashua field is Factor It In for trainer John Servis and owner DJ Stable; and Puttheglassdown for Gold Square LLC and trainer Jeremiah Englehart.

Also joining the Nashua on Sunday will be the $100,000 Awad for juveniles on the inner turf at a mile, rescheduled from the canceled October 27 card at Belmont.

Laurel Futurity winner Order and Law will try for his second straight stakes score in the Awad for trainer Louis Linder, Jr. The bay son of Violence, who is on the also eligible list for Friday's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs, heads a turf field of seven that includes maiden winners Absolved, Ole Mole, Honorable Hero, A Thread of Blue and Empire of War along with maiden Life Mission. Kentucky Wildcat is entered for main track only.