Takaful starts over in allowance sprint

ELMONT, N.Y. – Takaful was sensational in his debut at Belmont Park last October. He won a 6 1/2-furlong maiden race by eight lengths, leaving his rivals spread out behind him in parade formation. Following a half-mile in 44.96 seconds, he completed the distance in 1:15.82, earning a 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

The performance was so encouraging that Takaful would make his next three starts in the Grade 2 Remsen, Grade 3 Jerome, and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth. But Takaful proved too keen early in those longer races and finished third at 4-5, seventh at even-money, and eighth at 14-1.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has since freshened the Shadwell homebred son of Bernardini, who will return to the races Thursday at Belmont in a first-level allowance sprint.

“We’re starting over at six furlongs, back here at Belmont,” McLaughlin said. “We wanted to see if the Derby was possible or not, but he wasn’t relaxing in those longer races. If he runs well at six furlongs, we won’t push it; maybe try seven furlongs.”

There is a pick-six carryover of $34,098 on the Thursday card, which also includes a first-level allowance on turf and a 2-yearold maiden race.

An allowance sprint would seem like a comfortable fit for Takaful’s comeback, but there isn’t a soft touch in the sevenhorse field. The tough older New York-bred Rectify, who comes out of the Affirmed Success Stakes, should hit hard at this level.

The field also includes Silver Assault, a stakes-tested West Coast transplant who will be making his 3-year-old debut and first start for Bill Mott, plus the last-out winners Toga Challenger and Pop the Hood.

Throw in Capitaine, who showed talent at 2, and seventime winner Curious Cal, and Takaful had better have his running shoes laced tight.

“He’s been training great,” McLaughlin said. “He’s ready, but this is a really tough race.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Takaful, by Bernardini Last 3 Beyers: 55-29-77

◗ He faces other speed in here, and the early pace should be hot.

Rectify, by More Than Ready Last 3 Beyers: 77-93-103

◗ He tired in the 12-horse Affirmed Success after being part of a four-horse contested pace. The winner, Celtic Chaos, closed from last.

◗ Trainer Charlton Baker has freshened him for this race. He looks ready for a top effort.

Toga Challenger, by Successful Appeal Last 3 Beyers: 86-84-73

◗ Steadily improving runner for Rudy Rodriguez may get a good trip from several lengths off the pace.

Capitaine, by Tapit Last Beyers: 66-65-83

◗ Trained by Mark Hennig, he was 3-10 against three rivals in the Grade 2 Nashua last fall but stumbled badly at the start. He has every right to be a nice horse at 3, but this is a tough spot following a six-month layoff.

Silver Assault, by Maclean’s Music Last 3 Beyers: 71-72-69

◗ He started off strong at 2 out west and then tailed off. He will be returning from a sevenmonth layoff for a new barn on the opposite coast. Difficult to know what to expect.