Ironicus being pointed towards the Bernard Baruch

Ironicus, the second-place finisher in the Grade 1, $1 million Woodford Reserve Manhattan, is being pointed towards the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap on Saratoga's closing day on September 5, Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey said on Wednesday.

Ironicus was originally a possibility to start in the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap on August 13 but was taken out of training due to foot issues.

"Ironicus had some bumps and bruises, but hopefully we'll have him ready for the Bernard Baruch," said McGaughey. 

The 5-year-old has never finished worse than second in his five career graded stakes starts, including wins in the Grade 3 Fort Marcy on May 7 and victories in the 2015 Grade 2 Fourstardave and the Grade 2 Dixie. His victory in the 2015 Grade 2 Bernard Baruch was a memorable one as he set a Mellon-turf record for 1 1/16 miles in 1:38.54.

McGaughey said Carrumba came out of her second-place finish in the Grade 3 Shuvee in good order. Carrumba set the pace and held the lead for three-quarters of a mile before Curalina overtook her right before the stretch for the victory. The ultra-consistent Carrumba is 4-5-1 in 10 career starts.

Queen's Parade was originally set to start in the Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya on Saturday. But McGaughey said the W.S. Farish-owned 5-year-old chestnut mare has been shipped to the Middle East, leaving on Tuesday. Her next race overseas has not been determined yet.

Source: NYRA Communications