Flashpoint Confirmed for King's Bishop

Trainer Wesley Ward confirmed plans to take crack sprinter Flashpoint to the Grade 1 Foxwoods King’s Bishop on August 27, Travers Day.

“It’s my reason for living right now,” said Ward, currently based at Aqueduct Racetrack, via telephone.

Flashpoint, who has won his three sprint starts by a combined 20 ½ lengths, will enter the Foxwoods King’s Bishop off a seven-length domination against three opponents in the Grade 3 Jersey Shore at Monmouth Park on July 3.

“He’s tearing the barn down,” said Ward. “He’s done everything we’ve asked and is training outstandingly.”

Flashpoint turned in a 1:01.05 five-furlong breeze at Aqueduct on Friday and is scheduled to complete his workout assignments at the Big A. Following his final breeze, he’ll ship to Saratoga where he will gallop the week of the race, Ward said.

Owned by Peachtree Stable, Flashpoint began his career racing for trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr., for whom he debuted a 6 ¼-length winner on the inner track in January and captured the Grade 2 Hutcheson at Gulfstream Park in February. He was unsuccessful in a pair of route races, finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Florida Derby in March, his final start for Dutrow, and 14th in the Grade 1 Preakness in May.

The Foxwoods King’s Bishop is shaping up to be a corker, with Uncle Mo training toward the seven-furlong race and The Factor also under consideration. That said, Ward believes Flashpoint fits well with that group.

“He’s on target for a big one,” said Ward. “There’s ample spacing from his resounding victory in the Jersey Shore. He came out of that race with resounding confidence.”