El Kabeir Makes Return in Bold Ruler 'Cap

On the bench since foot issues derailed his run in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Zayat Stables' El Kabeir will make his return to racing Oct. 31 at Belmont Park in the $200,000 Bold Ruler Handicap (gr. III).



The 3-year-old Scat Daddy   colt was scratched from the Kentucky Derby the day before the classic, but Justin Zayat of Zayat Stables said the John Terranova trainee has been working well at Belmont, ultimately eyeing the Malibu Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park in late December as his target.



NOVAK: El Kabeir Scratched from Kentucky Derby



"(It's) a comeback race, but he's training strong," Zayat said of the colt's nearly seven-month layoff.



El Kabeir was last seen racing in the Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct Racetrack April 4, when he finished third, 5 3/4 lengths behind winner Frosted. Prior to that, he won the Gotham (gr. III) and the Jerome (gr. III), with a second-place finish in the Withers (gr. III) sandwiched in between.



NOVAK: El Kabeir Continues NY Success in Gotham



He'll be the co-highweight in the Bold Ruler at 117 pounds with fellow graded winner Vyjack, who also won the Gotham and Jerome when he was a 3-year-old in 2013. In his first start against older horses, El Kabeir will be the only colt in the six-horse field.



Other entrants include graded stakes-placed Mylute, Green Gratto, and Heaven's Runway, along with three-time allowance winner Matrooh.