Shadwell Stable's Mohaymen (Tapit) has been rerouted from the 1 1/4-mile GI Travers S. Aug. 27 to the same day's seven-furlong GI King's Bishop S., trainer Kiaran McLaughlin announced Sunday.
“Hot off the press, with Sheikh Hamdan [Saturday], we're going to the King's Bishop,” said McLaughlin. “We spoke to [Shadwell vice president and general manager] Rick Nichols [Saturday], and he in turn spoke to Sheikh Hamdan and they like the idea of cutting back [in distance]. It's great for a stallion to have the King's Bishop on his resume.”
The trainer continued, “It was a tough decision, but it looks like we would fit very well in the King's Bishop. I'm happy with going in the King's Bishop, [considering] there are 14 runners going a mile and a quarter. I prefer the seven-eighths right now.”
Winner of the first five starts of his career at distances from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, including a trio of graded events, Mohaymen checked in fourth in the GI Kentucky Derby May 7 and was a disappointing fourth as the favorite last time after stumbling at the start of Saratoga's GII Jim Dandy S. July 30. The gray most recently breezed a best-of-74 half-mile in :47.33 Friday and McLaughlin said the change in race will not change how he preps the colt.
“He worked very fast the other day anyway,” he said. “When a horse is fit, they're fit. I hope he doesn't stumble out of the gate like he did last time.”
McLaughlin will also saddle MGISW “TDN Rising Star” Cavorting (Bernardini) Aug. 27 in the GI Personal Ensign S. and reported that GI Metropolitan H. and GI Whitney S. winner Frosted (Tapit)'s next race has still not been decided.
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