—Apr 7— National Flag, who finished third in the Grade III Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park two weeks ago, and Engage, fourth to Gronkowski in the Jerome Stakes in mid-January, head a competitive field of six three-year-olds set to battle in the Bay Shore Stakes at 7 furlongs at Aqueduct on Saturday.
National Flag is trained by Todd Pletcher and was well-regarded in the Hutcheson, going postward as the 6/5 second favorite to the eventual winner, World of Trouble.
Engage is trained by Steve Asmussen, and was a $550,000 purchase at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale in March, 2017. Though fourth, Engage ran against top competition in the Jerome.
Bal Harbour, the only previous winner in the field, was fifth in his last start in the Private Terms Stakes at Laurel. His 1¼ length score in the Withers was preceded by another fifth place finish in the Much Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park in January. The Bay Shore will mark his first try sprinting.
Marconi was third in the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in his last start. Like Bal Harbour, the Bay Shore will mark his first attempt in a sprint race.
Finally, Identity Politics and Carrick will be making their 2018 debuts in the Bay Shore. Given the overall quality of the field, both are expected to be competitive.
Retro Horse Racing Game 