Avery Island bids to continue red-hot form in Remsen

Very promising two-year-old colt Avery Island goes for a second straight G2 success at Aqueduct, USA, in the Remsen Stakes on dirt over nine furlongs on Saturday, December 2.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained son of Street Sense made most of the running when powering to an impressive victory under Joe Bravo, who takes the ride again, in the mile G2 Nashua Stakes at the New York course on November 6.

Avery Island gained a comprehensive all-the-way success in a Belmont Park maiden over an extended mile in September and was seventh on debut in a six-furlong contest at Saratoga in August.

He faces nine rivals in the Remsen Stakes, headed by Catholic Boy, who switches to dirt after coming home fourth on turf in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Kiaran McLaughlin commented: “Avery Island has won his last two races and is doing very well.

“He drew nicely in stall three and there doesn’t look like there is a lot of speed in the race, which is good because Avery Island has pace. We could sit second or third if we need, but it looks like we will be on or near the lead.

“Avery Island is improving all of the time and nine furlongs will suit him. He is a big, long-striding colt and should want the step up in trip.

“The only negative is that he has a penalty from his win in the Nashua Stakes, but he should be fine with giving weight all round.”

Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, four-year-old filly Indulgent is out to continue her fine record at Aqueduct on her return to Graded company in the G3 Go For Wand Handicap over a mile.

The daughter of Bernardini, also trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, has finished first or second on all four of her Aqueduct appearances, including two six-furlong victories in November, 2016, and January, and a second over seven furlongs in the G3 Distaff Handicap in April.

She kept on well last time out to finish the runner-up at the same course in the non-graded Pumpkin Pie Stakes over six furlongs on November 5.

Indulgent, with Luis Saez again in the plate, tackles six other fillies including dual G2 winner Highway Star and G1 Beldame Stakes fourth Verve’s Tale.

Kiaran McLaughlin added: “Indulgent has been running over shorter distances, but we think the she should get the mile based on her pedigree and running style.

“She tried this trip once before in the G2 Ruffian Stakes at Belmont Park in May, but the track was wet that day and it didn’t work out for her.

“She is drawn out in the clear in stall seven and we are trying to get a Graded race win under her belt because it would be huge for her breeding potential.”