Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), a perfect three-for-three this term, headed by a win in the GI American Turf S. at Churchill Downs, will be heavily favored in Friday's GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame S., a one-mile inner turf test for sophomores at Saratoga.
A winner of six-of-seven career starts, the lone blemish on Zulu Kingdom's resume is a seventh-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar. The 6-5 morning-line favorite, campaigned in partnership by Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Dubb, William Strauss and Michael J. Caruso, enters off a win in the GIII Manila S. at the Spa July 4.
“I think two-turn turf races at the middle distance there's always a lot of close finishes, but he has a lot of natural heart and ability,” said trainer Chad Brown, who looks for a record-extending eighth victory in this event. “He's a natural competitor when it comes down to the wire.”
Brown continued, “A mile, mile and a sixteenth–right now–is what I think he wants to do. We'll see as he gets a little older (about stretching out). He's coming into the race great. He's training well.”
Luther (GB) | Sarah Andrew
Luther (GB) (Frankel {GB}) cuts back in distance after rallying for third while making his U.S. debut for trainer Charlie Fellowes in the GI Belmont Derby Invitational S. at Saratoga July 4.
Clever Again (American Pharoah), a sharp, front-running winner of the Hot Springs S. at Oaklawn Mar. 30, switches to grass for trainer Steve Asmussen after an eventful ninth in the GI Preakness S. May 17 and disappointing sixth in the GIII Ohio Derby June 21.
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