Amberjack Fit and Ready for Morrissey

Amberjack will attempt to add another stake to his resume when he competes Friday in the $100,000 John Morrissey, his second start off a nearly 11-month layoff.

Last year, Amberjack won the seven-furlong Mike Lee at Belmont and the 1 1/16-mile New York Derby at Finger Lakes before he came up two lengths short in his attempt to sweep the Big Apple Triple when second in the Albany at Saratoga.

Amberjack made his return in a 6 ½-furlong non-conditioned allowance for New York-breds on July 11 at Belmont, racing in fourth early, looming at the top of the stretch, and finishing third, beaten two lengths by Weekend Hideway, who was entered back in the John Morrissey. The Morrissey, like the allowance race, is a 6 ½-furlong race restricted to New York-breds.

"He's trained better; he looks fitter [since the allowance race]," said trainer Mike Hushion. "He's even acting a little sharper since the last race. He ran like a horse who might have needed the race. We'll find out if he's improved off his last race."

Hushion said Amberjack will need to move forward in order to be competitive in the John Morrissey, which at 6 ½ furlongs likely is shorter than the colt's best distance.

"Six and a half [furlongs] might be a bit short for him, but if he takes a couple of big steps he'll certainly be competitive."

Irad Ortiz, Jr. will ride Amberjack (8-1) from post 7 in the Morrissey.

The 5-2 program favorite for the John Morrissey is Big Business, runner-up in the Evan Shipman at Saratoga on July 31 and the Commentator Handicap at Belmont Park on May 31 for trainer David Jacobson. Hall of Famer John Velazquez will ride from post 6 in a field of eight older horses.

Winner of the 2013 Empire Classic, Saratoga Snacks will be making his first start for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott in the John Morrissey. Third in last year's event, the winner of the Shy Groom and Alex M. Robb was last seen running second to Zivo in the Whodam at Aqueduct on Jan. 19. Junior Alvarado will ride from post 1.

Weekend Hideaway won the Bertram Bongard in 2012 and the Gone Fishin in 2013 and was third by a length behind Zivo and Big Business after setting the pace in the Commentator, and third by a neck in the six-furlong Affirmed Success on May 2. Jose Lezcano gets the call for trainer Phil Serpe from post 3.

The John Morrissey field, from the rail out, is Saratoga Snacks (7-2), Brigand (12-1), Weekend Hideaway (6-1), Quick Money(10-1), Moonlight Song (3-1), Big Business (5-2), Amberjack (8-1) and West Hills Giant (15-1).