Ironicus Has New Challenge in Bernard Baruch

Stuart Janney III's homebred Ironicus, a closing second Aug. 15 in the Fourstardave Handicap (gr. IIT), finds a new challenge for the Sept. 7 Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. IIT) at Spa: a returning two-time grade I winner Constitution.



The two square off in the 1 1/16-mile race worth $250,000 on Saratoga Race Course's closing day. The Hopeful Stakes (gr. I), run immediately following the Bernard Baruch, is the traditional curtain call in upstate New York.



Ironicus possesses an electrifying turn of foot, as witnessed in his score earlier this year in the Dixie Stakes (gr. IIT) at Pimlico on Preakness Day. In the Fourstardave he was forced to come wide with his run around the far bend and closed like a shot to miss by a neck. His 122 Equibase Speed Figure is by far the tops in the field.



Javier Castellano returns aboard on the gray/roan son of Distorted Humor  —Meghan's Joy, by A.P. Indy. A 4-4-1 lifetime mark in 10 career starts is a testament to his consistency.



Ironicus will break from the inside post. Next to him in the gate is Constitution, WinStar Farm and Twin Creeks Racing Stables' dual grade I winner making his turf debut.



The son of Tapit   won last year's Besilu Stables Florida Derby (gr. I) and earlier this year won the Donn Handicap (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park. Finding some heat and soreness in his left shin while preparing for the March 28 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), Constitution was given time off. A steady progression of works at Saratoga looks to have him ready.



Without a lot of speed signed on the Bernard Baruch, the front-running Constitution figures to have the lead to himself despite carrying highweight of 120 pounds.



Others vying for attention in the Bernard Baruch include consistent graded stakes runners Vyjack and Grand Tito, along with the Lure Stakes one-two finishers of Live Oak Plantation's Under Control and Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Charming Kitten.