Gronkowski Takes On Ascendant 3YOs in Discovery

[Wandering Eyes]

Phoenix Thoroughbred’s Gronkowski (Lonhro {Aus}), purchased after four straight synthetic-track wins, showed his affinity for dirt with a big second in the GI Belmont S. Two dull efforts against top-class company later, the dark bay will dip into Grade III territory against a pair of up-and-coming sophomores while looking for his first graded tally in the Discovery S. Saturday at Aqueduct.

Breaking his maiden last November at Chelmsford for Jeremy Noseda, Gronkowski annexed his first three outings as a 3-year-old, culminating with a score in the 32red Burradon S. to punch his ticket to the GI Kentucky Derby. Forced to pass on a Run for the Roses due to an infection, he pointed for the Belmont and came within 1 3/4 lengths of upsetting Justify’s Triple Crown bid at nearly 25-1. He made no impact, however, when eighth in the GI Travers S. next out and only fared mildly better to be sixth against elders in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup last out Sept. 29 at Belmont.

Shortleaf Stable’s Plainsman (Flatter) has come to hand quickly since being transferred from William Van Meter’s outfit to the Brad Cox barn over the summer. Sixth in the GI Arkansas Derby this spring, the $350,000 Keeneland September graduate finished third in a Saratoga allowance in his first start for Cox Sept. 1 before romping by 6 3/4 lengths at Belmont Sept. 27 and doubling up with a half-length success at this oval Nov. 3.

Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable teamed up to go to $725,000 for Life’s a Parlay (Uncle Mo) at KEESEP, and, after debuting with a third at 9-5 Jan. 6 at Gulfstream, the bay scored a sharp victory there three weeks later. Shelved for over eight months following that, he returned with an allowance success Oct. 13 at Belmont and will try two turns for the first time here.

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