Catalina Cruiser to Return in True North

Thursday, May 23, 2019 | 6:24 pm

Updated: May 23, 2019 at 8:04 pm

Hronis Racing's Catalina Cruiser and jockey Drayden Van Dyke win the Grade II, $200,000 San Diego Handicap, Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar CA. © BENOIT PHOTO

Catalina Cruiser (Union Rags), off since a disappointing sixth-place finish as the 4-5 favorite in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Churchill Downs, is slated to make his 5-year-old debut in the GII True North S. June 7 as part of the GI Belmont S. Racing Festival.

Owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler, Catalina Cruiser won his first four career starts in ultra-impressive fashion, including the GII Pat O'Brien S. last summer at Del Mar.

“He's coming back really well,” Sadler said. “There's nothing for him at Santa Anita that fits in the schedule and he had a great work last week. He's probably one of the best looking horses in training right now, so hopefully we go over there and make a good showing.”