Vulcan's Forge primed and ready for Stymie

by Najja Thompson

Set to make his second start of the year since finishing second in the Grade 3 Toboggan, Vulcan's Forge for owners William and Corinne Heiligbrodt and Team Valor International will headline a field of seven in the $150,000 Stymie for 4-year-olds and up at one mile on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.

One of four stakes races on the day, highlighted by the Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham, the Stymie will kick off an All-Stakes Late Pick 4 preceding the $150,000 Heavenly Prize followed by the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool.

A 5-year-old progeny of Giant's Causeway in the care of trainer Todd Pletcher, Vulcan's Forge returns to a one-mile distance for the Stymie after cutting back to seven furlongs in the Toboggan, in which he stalked early before moving seven-wide at the top of the stretch with a furious finish to run second.

"We thought he ran well in the Toboggan," said Pletcher. "We were hoping for a hot pace setup and we thought he closed really well. Since that race he's comeback and looked good. We think returning back to a mile should benefit him and we're not going to change his style. We're going to let him run his race."

With two wins, a second and a third in five starts at the distance, Vulcan's Forge will retain the services of Junior Alvarado as the pair will depart from post 6.

Also stretching out in distance and looking to capitalize off a second-place finish in a graded stakes is Fellowship for trainer Kenneth Decker and Jacks or Better Farm.

Last out, the 5-year-old son of Awesome Course recorded a career-high 97 Beyer Speed Figure in the Grade 3 General George on February 17 at Laurel Park. Trailing early, Fellowship closed fast to come up just short late to lose by a neck.

"He's come out of it his last race real good," said Decker. "Last Saturday he had a little light work and he looks like he's coming along just fine. We hope not to be too far back, but he always runs his race and he tends to take himself back. Hopefully we'll get a good trip and see what happens with the added distance."

Drawing post 7, regular rider Steve Hamilton will be in the irons.

Looking to pick up his second consecutive stakes win after capturing the Jazil on January 20 at the Big A is Backsideofthemoon for Lake Lonely Racing and trainer Leo O'Brien.

The 6-year-old ridgling by Malibu Moon has two wins from seven starts at Aqueduct with one second-place finish and a pair of thirds.  

"He's doing good," said O'Brien. "I suppose you could think that because he's won a couple races on the surface that he likes it here, but he's just a nice horse. I don't think we'll be too far back, but he loves a challenge and having a target to run at. Hopefully he'll get a good trip and things work out."

Reunited with Kendrick Carmouche who was aboard for his victory in the Jazil, Backsideofthemoon will leave from post 3.

Rounding out the field is Godolphin's Watershed who will look to bounce back after finishing seventh in the Queens County on December 23; Harlan Punch for owner and trainer David Jacobson in search of first stakes win following back-to-back allowance victories at the Big A; and Hit It Once More for trainer Gary Sciacca and owner Yellow Moon Stable entering off a victory in the Haynesfield on February 17.