The Return of the Corinthian

It's not everyday I get worked up over an optional claimer. They dont run optional claimers everyday. Sometimes there are better races. Sometimes the track has an off day. Sometimes it rains.

If today's 7th at Gulfstream was any indication, Corinthian has announced his candidacy for a place in the older male division with a near track record time for 1 1/8 mile. Corinthian was a quarter second off Brass Hat's record time in last year's Donn.

Along the way he beat last year's Belmont winner Jazil by 9 1/2 lengths, the third time they'd met, and the third time Corinthian crossed the wire ahead of him.

Corinthian hasnt run since late July of last year, with decent success finishing third in a classy Saratoga allowance. His race before that was last year's Fountain of Youth in which he crossed the line first but was placed back to 3rd for weaving like a blind, one legged drunk down the stretch. (Jazil finished 7th.) He chipped a bone in the race and that was pretty much his three year old campaign. The 4 year old son of Pulpit is trained by "Giant Killer" Alan Jerkens, who just might have a giant of his own.