English Channel Rolls Into Gulfstream Allowance Test
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 2/21/2007 8:55:10 PM
Last Updated: 2/22/2007 7:56:59 PM

English Channel makes 5YO debut for trainer Todd Pletcher Thursday.
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Photo: Coglianese Photos
Male turf division 2006 Eclipse Award finalist English Channel makes his 5-year-old debut for trainer Todd Pletcher in a nine-furlong allowance race on the Gulfstream Park program Thursday.

The multiple grade I-winning grass specialist could use the opportunity to prepare for a start on the Dubai World Cup card next month. Pletcher is reportedly weighing either the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I) at about 1 1/8 miles or the Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I) at about 1 1/2 miles for the James T. Scatuorchio-owned English Channel. Both races carry a $5 million purse.

The son of Smart Strike   won three grade I stakes at 4 -- The United Nations at Monmouth Park, the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park, and the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs -- and has banked $2.679,028 in three seasons.

English Channel is listed at 6-5 on the morning line for Gulfstream's seventh race, where he faces a field that includes grade I winners Gun Salute and Request for Parole.

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