Palace Malice to Return Sunday in Alydar

Classic winner Palace Malice is scheduled to make his first start since May in the $100,000 Alydar Stakes Aug. 9 at Saratoga Race Course.

The 1 1/8-mile Alydar, for 4-year-olds and older who haven't won a stakes in 2015 other than state-bred events, attracted 12 entries. Palace Malice, who won the 2013 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and last year's Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I), will be making just his second start of the season after finishing third in his first 2015 effort, the Diablo Stakes at Belmont Park.

Dogwood Stable and Three Chimneys Farm's Palace Malice worked five furlongs in a bullet :59.30 Aug. 2 at Saratoga, after which trainer Todd Pletcher said the son of Curlin   appeared to be returning to top form. 

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"Well, we've had a rather uneven preparation for the races," said Dogwood's Cot Campbell. "He's had two or three very minor problems, but they've cost us some pain and time. We've been getting him ready to get back up and going again. We're very excited about getting him back and we hope to have a great rest of the year with him."

Committed to racing Palace Malice as long as he is healthy, Campbell hopes to use the Alydar as a springboard toward to the Woodward (gr. I) Sept. 5 at the Spa, with the long-term goal the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).

"We didn't want to haul off and run him quickly, but the Alydar will hopefully be the start to a great campaign," Campbell said. "That will be productive toward the Woodward and a couple of races in the fall in hopes of the Breeders' Cup. He worked exceedingly well and is on his 'A' game."

Sunday's field of 12 also includes 2012 dead-heat Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Golden Ticket, grade II winner Noble Moon, and Shadwell Stable's Matrooh, who has won three of four races this season.