Naughty New Yorker Sets Sights on 'Triple'

Naughty New Yorker, winner of the first leg of the "Big Apple Triple" last month, heads a field of 12 entered for the $150,000-added New York Derby Saturday at Finger Lakes.

The 1 1/6-mile event for New York-bred 3-year-olds also attracted Sort It Out, who finished 2 1/2 lengths behind Naughty New Yorker in the Mike Lee, which was June 26 at Belmont Park. The Bob Baffert-trained Sort It Out defeated the Patrick Kelly-conditioned Naughty New Yorker in the Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct Feb. 12.

In winning the seven-furlong Mike Lee, Naughty New Yorker fell 15 lengths off the pace on the backstretch before rallying on the turn for Jean-Luc Samyn and finishing with a flourish. Jorge Chavez has the call Saturday. Naughty New Yorker breaks from the rail.

If Naughty New Yorker can win Saturday and take the Albany at Saratoga on Aug. 24, owner Fox Ridge Farm would earn a $250,000 bonus. The son of Quiet American has a 3-4-2 record from 13 starts with earnings of $253,767.

Sort It Out, who finished 17th in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) prior to his effort in the Mike Lee, brings top earnings of $293,975 into the New York Derby.

Caribbean Cruiser will attempt a route for the first time after a 2 1/2-length score in the $50,000 Ontario County Stakes at Finger Lakes on June 19. The Donna Bireta-trainee is the only Finger Lakes based colt in the 33rd renewal of the event.

$150,000-added New York Derby (Race 8, 4:19 p.m.), 3-year-old New York-breds, 1 1/16 miles
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Naughty New Yorker, 121, Jorge F. Chavez
2. Freddy the Cap, 117, Daniel C. Velazquez
3. Caribbean Cruiser, 117, Chin C. Yang
4. Tergesti, 119, John R. Davila, Jr.
5. Accountforthegold, 117, Raymond Brian Sabourin
6. Twooutsintheninth, 119, (No Rider)
7. Meniscus, 117, Michael A. Davila, Jr.
8. Organizer, 115, Michael A. Davila, Jr.
9. Gold and Roses, 124, John A. Grabowski
10. Thunderprince, 119, Fernando Jara
11. Bold Decision, 121, Pedro A. Rodriguez
12. Sort It Out, 124, (No Rider)