Palace Malice Tops Loaded Field for $1.5 Million Whitney Handicap

Set as the even-money favorite on the morning line is Palace Malice, the winner of the 2013 Belmont Stakes. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the four-year-old son of Curlin will have John Velazquez in the irons bearing the familiar green and yellow silks of Cot Campbell’s Dogwood Stable. He is a perfect four for four this year and was last seen winning the Met Mile (G1) in June. He has won two of his three starts at Saratoga.

Will Take Charge trying to relive Travers glory

Breaking from the inside post and installed at 4-1 is the reigning champion three-year-old, Will Take Charge. The chestnut son of Unbridled’s Song will have regular rider Luis Saez aboard for D. Wayne Lukas. He has one win from five starts this year and was last seen finishing second as the favorite in the Stephen Foster (G1). As a sophomore, he turned the tables on Palace Malice and won the Travers (G1) by a nose after finishing second in the Jim Dandy (G2).

Itsmyluckyday back in form after serious injury

Also in the field is Itsmyluckyday, a longshot at 12-1 on the morning line. Trained by Edward Plesa and ridden by Paco Lopez, the four-year-old son of Lawyer Ron has returned in sharp fashion with three consecutive wins after being sidelined last summer with a fractured pelvis. The eight-time winning millionaire will break from post position four and attempt to earn his first Grade 1 win and prove he can compete with the top level older horses.