Joe Labozzetta Photo

Theory returns to face tough test in G3 Bayshore

by Najja Thompson

Set to make his first start since the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Winstar Farm and China Horse Club's Theory will headline a talented field of six in the Grade 3, $250,000 Bay Shore for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The first of five stakes races on Saturday's Wood Memorial Day Card, highlighted by the 93rd running of the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial, the Bay Shore will join the Grade 1, $400,000 Carter Handicap, the Grade 2, $300,000 Gazelle, and the Grade 3, $150,000 Excelsior.  

Purchased for $335,000 as a 2-year-old-in-training at the Ocala Breeders' Sale, Theory made his debut last summer at Saratoga Race Course where he bested 10 rivals to win by 5 ½ lengths while picking up an 85 Beyer Speed Figure. Following that win, he was briefly taken out of training for evaluation but returned to win the Grade 3 Futurity at Belmont Park in October. 

In the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, his first around two turns, Theory raced along the rail most of the way before tiring to finish tenth. Although initially not his first option to make his start of the year, trainer Todd Pletcher is looking to use the Bay Shore as a starting point for a successful 2017 campaign.

"He's been training well throughout the winter," said Pletcher. "We tried to get him back to go in the Spectacular Bid [March 19 at Gulfstream Park] but the race didn't fill so we ended up here in the Bay Shore. This seems like the logical spot for him to return."

Drawing post 5 and listed as the 7-5 morning line favorite with Hall of Famer John Velazquez aboard, Pletcher figures Theory to be involved from the start.

"We'll see how the race unfolds, but I would expect him to be prominent early," added Pletcher.

Trainer Chad Brown will saddle a formidable pair of his own with You're to Blame for Woodford Racing and Alpha Delta Stables' Long Haul Bay.

A son of Distorted Humor, You're to Blame broke his maiden in his third career start at one mile at Belmont last October before going on to finishing fifth on November 26 in the Grade 2 Remsen. In his most recent start, cutting back to one turn in an optional-claiming race at Parx on February 11, he bested a field of seven at the Bay Shore's seven-furlong distance.

Long Haul Bay, a progeny of Quality Road has only made one career start winning his debut but was impressive topping a field of 10 on February 18 at Aqueduct while earning a field-high 90 Beyer Speed Figure. 

With Manny Franco aboard, Long Haul Bay will depart from post 4 at the 5-2 second choice on the morning line. Listed at 6-1 on the morning line, You're to Blame will leave from post 6 with Javier Castellano in the irons. 

Entering off of back-to-back stakes wins at Aqueduct is Curragh Stables' Caledonian. A New York-bred son of Concord Point, the colt has picked up three wins from five starts most recently capturing the Jimmy Winfield on February 20. Making his first start against graded stakes competition, trainer John Terranova is encouraged with his trainee's development heading into the race. 

"Everything's been going well," said Terranova. "He had a good breeze the other day and he looks ready. He's really done nothing wrong, loves to run and is a real honest colt. We're looking forward to stepping up a bit and see if he can handle this field on Saturday, but he's coming into this very well."

Drawing post 3, regular rider Eric Cancel will have the mount,

Rounding out the field is Miggsy for trainer Rudy Rodriguez and owner Robert LaPenta who broke his maiden his last start and Even Thunder for trainer John Servis and owner Leonard Green who last out finished second to Caledonian in the Jimmy Winkfield.