What to watch for: Battle of Midway continues his comeback

This weekend normally stands out for big 3-year-old races at Parx with the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and the Cotillion Stakes (G1). Those races are loaded this year, but there’s also a handful of horses to keep an eye on as they make a comeback on the East Coast.

With the Nov.2-3 Breeders’ Cup also approaching, these races are likely to be final preps as horses prepare for the World Championships at Churchill Downs.

Here’s what to watch for:

Another shot for Battle of Midway

Battle of Midway, winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at 3, had his first race back since found to be subfertile at stud. He'll likely make another start Saturday at Belmont Park.

WinStar Farm returned the 4-year-old to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, and his return race came nearly a month ago in the four-horse Pat O’Brien (G2), a "Win and You’re In" qualifier for the Dirt Mile. Battle of Midway tried to chase after Catalina Cruiser, but the rising star with the same connections as Classic favorite Accelerate was much too good. The returning Breeders’ Cup winner had to settle for a distant second.

Battle of Midway will get one more test prior to this year’s Breeders’ Cup. While not a qualifying race, the Kelso Handicap (G2) will give the colt a one-mile prep and keep him away from Accelerate in the Awesome Again (G1), which was also under consideration.

Battle of Midway was assigned to carry 123 pounds, the expected high weight. Limousine Liberal is next on the list at 120 pounds, with a number of top horses nominated entered instead on Parx Racing's biggest card of the year.

Kentucky Oaks rematch in Pennsylvania

Can Monomoy Girl be defeated? Seven other 3-year-old fillies will try to make it happen in Saturday’s Cotillion, including the two that finished directly behind her in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Monomoy Girl has eight wins in nine starts, missing a perfect record by a neck. She puts her streak of four straight Grade 1 wins on the line in the Cotillion ahead of a planned start in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), hosted this year at her home track of Churchill Downs on Nov. 3.

Oaks runner-up Wonder Gadot finished a half-length behind Monomoy Girl, but the placing didn’t come without an objection for interference. The Cotillion is more than a rematch for Wonder Gadot. It’s also a chance to prove she’s bounced back after a last-place run in the Travers Stakes (G1).

Finishing 3 ¾ lengths behind Wonder Gadot in the Oaks was Midnight Bisou, who also gets another go at Monomoy Girl. Midnight Bisou made easy work of a short field in the Mother Goose (G2) following the Oaks, while Monomoy Girl romped in the Acorn (G1). The two met again in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), with Midnight Bisou second best. Midnight Bisou then ran third in the Alabama as the favorite (G1).

Wonder Gadot and Midnight Bisou have the advantage of a recent race to keep them sharp, while Monomoy Girl will be making her first start in two months. However, the division leader’s record speaks for itself. Also in the mix will be Oaks fifth-place runner Chocolate Martini, bested again when third in the CCA Oaks. 

Young talent returns for Pennsylvania Derby

McKinzie was an exciting prospect on the Kentucky Derby trail early this year. More than six months after his last race, he returns in a big spot to tackle the Pennsylvania Derby (G1). Despite the time in between races, he’s been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite over winner 3-1 Hofburg. 

A debut winner on the West Coast, McKinzie earned his Grade 1 in the Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity when stablemate Solomini was disqualified from first to third. McKinzie was then a clear winner in the Sham Stakes (G3) at 3 before being disqualified in the San Felipe (G2), giving Bolt d’Oro the win.

McKinzie then missed the Santa Anita Derby (G1) due to a hind leg issue. The race was won by his stablemate and eventual Triple Crown winner Justify. With Justify now retired, McKinzie is back in the spotlight for Bob Baffert’s runners.

A look at McKinzie’s registered works show Baffert stretching him out to five, six and then seven furlongs in the mornings. Following three works at the seven furlong distance, McKinzie put in a sharp four-furlong work five days out from the Pennsylvania Derby. 

Also making his first start since running fourth in the Kentucky Derby is Instilled Regard. The Pennsylvania Derby will be his first start with Chad Brown since moving East from Jerry Hollendorfer’s Southern California base.

A comeback spot for Collected

Speaking of horses returning in the Baffert barn, Collected is set for his first start since the Pegasus World Cup (G1). The 5-year-old will accompany McKinzie to Parx and is entered in the Pa Derby Champion Stakes as a prep for the Nov. 3 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Collected picked up a few nice stakes wins at 3, but his 4-year-old season was even more impressive. He won four stakes in a row, topped by a win in the Pacific Classic (G1) over stablemate Arrogate. Collected was then a very respectable second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic after pushing Gun Runner the whole way.

Following that, Collected never really got going in the San Antonio (G2), finishing third in a short field, and faded from the lead to seventh in the Pegasus.

For what the horse has accomplished, the Pa Derby Champion Stakes is an easy spot for him. On the other hand, it’s Collected’s first race in eight months, and it will be another challenge for Baffert to have him ready in time for the Breeders’ Cup.