Killybegs Captain 'phenomenal' ahead of Belmont's Carter Handicap

Trainer John Terranova will look to hit the ground running at the Belmont Park spring meet with Curragh Stables' graded stakes winner Killybegs Captain, who is pointed to the Grade 1, $250,000 Carter Handicap, a seven-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and upward on June 6. The Carter this season offers a "Win and You're In" berth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.

The 6-year-old Mizzen Mast horse, who made the grade in the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) in September at Laurel Park, boasts a record of 26: 7-5-3 with earnings of $572,453.

Killybegs Captain, traveled to Dubai to compete in the Golden Shaheen (G1) on the canceled Dubai World Cup card in March, last raced on Feb. 15 when capturing the six-furlong Pelican at Tampa Bay Downs.

"He's training phenomenal," said Terranova. "We went all the way to Dubai and we were really confident going there. He came back in good order and has been training exceptionally well. We're anxious to run him in the Carter."

As for other Terranova trainees, Eric Fein, Christopher McKenna, Harris Fein, Guri Singh, and Jerry Walia's Dream Friend worked a half-mile in 51.76 Thursday on the Belmont Park inner turf.

"He did fine this morning. We're ready to run and I wanted a chance to get him on the grass. He's ready to go," said Terranova. "He went a half by himself. It's his last work before he runs, so nothing too special. It was just a maintenance move."

Terranova said the 5-year-old Ghostzapper chestnut is under consideration for the $80,000 First Defence, a seven-furlong turf sprint set for Sunday, June 7.

"He's a good middle-distance turf runner," said Terranova. "The seven-eighths off the layoff wouldn't be inconceivable. He's got plenty of speed. We'll keep an eye on the weather."

Gatsas Stables, R.A. Hill Stable and Swick Stable's multiple stakes winner Funny Guy is under consideration for the $125,000 Commentator Handicap, a one-mile test for New York-breds 3-years-old and up.

"We're going to look at that," said Terranova regarding the Commentator. "He's training great and we're just looking for the spot. He's eligible for an allowance race as well."

Terranova also said New York-bred stakes-placed Three Jokers could be in line for the $100,000 Mike Lee, a seven-furlong sprint for New York-bred sophomores.

"He's been ready to run and were looking at the Mike Lee coming back off the bench," said Terranova.