New York Sprints in Mayakovsky's Future

Gotham Stakes (gr. III) winner Mayakovsky will not start in the inaugural running of the Matt Winn Handicap at Churchill Downs Saturday, but will instead be pointed toward the seven-furlong Riva Ridge Stakes (gr. II) on the Belmont Stakes undercard.

"We'll freshen him up a bit and run in the Riva Ridge," said trainer Patrick Biancone. "I don't want to abuse him."

Michael Tabor's son of Matty G was a late scratch from the Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) the week before the Derby at Churchill due to a wet track. Biancone said the colt will likely be kept in sprints.

"He has so much speed he may stay at short," said Biancone. "I don't see any horse that can go as fast as him at six or seven furlongs."

Biancone said the Amsterdam (gr. II) and King's Bishop (gr. I) at Saratoga are likely targets for Mayakovsky, with the ultimate goal being the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I).