Ring Weekend Returns in Sir Cat at Saratoga

Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course July 18 features not only the 96th running of the Schuylerville Stakes (gr. III), but a solid field of familiar faces in the $100,000 Sir Cat Stakes for 3-year-old grass horses.

The one-mile Sir Cat, to be run as race 9 with an approximate post time of 5:15 p.m. EDT, drew an eight-horse group led by Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) winner Ring Weekend, who returns to the lawn for the first time since January.

Trained by Graham Motion for West Point Thoroughbreds and St. Elias Stable, Ring Weekend was last seen setting a quick pace in the June 15 Pegasus Stakes (gr. III) at Monmouth Park before fading to wind up eased in the 1 1/16-mile event. Prior to that start he was fifth in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and second in the Calder Derby. 

In his last turf start Jan. 18 at Gulfstream Park, the Tapit   gelding was second at 7 1/2 furlongs looking to break his maiden behind eventual American Derby (gr. IIIT) winner Divine Oath.

Also entered in the Sir Cat are multiple stakes winner Storming Inti, no worse than third in eight of nine starts; 2-1 morning-line favorite Tourist, recently victorious in a one-mile allowance at Belmont Park, and Cabo Cat, winner of the Manila at Belmont Park last out.

Completing the field are recent maiden winners Gourmet Delight and Vigorish, and J to the Croft, who enters off a narrow score in a seven-furlong optional claimer June 17 at Belmont. Pablo Del Monte is entered for the main track only.