Elders Try to Prove Themselves in Nijinsky

An abbreviated field of five will contest the $200,000 Nijinsky Stakes (Can-IIT) over nine grassy furlongs at Woodbine July 24.

Kaigun will be giving his foes 6 to 7 pounds in the Nijinsky. The 6-year-old won the Pan American (gr. IIT) in April and just missed victory against Da Big Hoss in the Elkhorn (gr. IIT) at Keeneland, but his past two efforts have not inspired confidence. He was no factor in the Man o’War (gr. IT) and was even worse when he stopped late in the Belmont Gold Cup. After a winless 2015 and off just the one victory this year, Kaigun has something to prove here, which puts him in company with the rest of this field.

Dynamic Sky is winless in six tries at Woodbine and hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since he won the Red Smith Handicap (gr. IIIT) more than a year and a half ago. He made the lead in his last start, the Louisville Handicap (gr. IIIT), but backed up late.

Up With the Birds, the Canadian Horse of the Year for 2013 and also 3-year-old male champion that season, has been winless for the past two seasons and hasn’t been a factor in any of his three starts this year. He, along with Dynamic Sky and Kaigun, are all 6-year-olds now.

Button Down, at 5 a youngster in the field, won the Cardinal Handicap (gr. IIIT) last fall, but has faltered in both starts this season. The mare is taking on the opposite gender here. Maiden winner Halo Nation rounds out the entries, enters off three straight placings in starter-allowance races.