After finishing second in his first two starts this season, Brittlyn Stable's Gantry will try to nail down his fifth career stakes victory in the $175,000 Commonwealth Stakes (gr. III) April 13 at Keeneland.
Gantry won three stakes last year, including the Smile Sprint Handicap (gr. II) at Calder Casino & Race Course. The 6-year-old Pulpit colt finished off the board in the XpressBet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) and closed out the year with a runner-up finish in the Thanksgiving Handicap, the first of three straight runner-up stakes finishes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Bred in Kentucky by D. J. Stable, Gantry is out of the Go for Gin mare Rhum. Trainer Ron Faucheux will try to secure his first Keeneland stakes win with Gantry.
While Gantry attempts to end his streak of seconds, grade II winner Handsome Mike will cut back in distance as his connections attempt end a five-race skid against top competition. Handsome Mike won last year's Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) but has failed to hit the board since, starting in five grade I or grade II races all at 1 1/16 miles or longer.
Handsome Mike boasts last year's Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) connections of Reddam Racing, trainer Doug O'Neill, and jockey Mario Gutierriez.
$175,000 Commonwealth S. (gr. III, race 6, 3:35 p.m.) 4 & Up, 7 Furlongs (All Weather)
PP, Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Gantry (KY), R. Eramia, 118, R. Faucheux
2. Candyman E (KY), J. Bravo, 118, A. Dutrow
3. Bind (KY), J. Rosario, 118, A. Stall Jr.
4. Big Blue Spirit (GB), J. Leparoux, 118, D. Miller
5. Bernie the Maestro (FL), J. Castellano, 118, M. Maker
6. Handsome Mike (KY), M. Gutierrez, 118, D. O'Neill