After running a game second to Curlin in the Woodward Stakes (G1), Past the Point will take a shot at his first stakes win in the Meadowlands Cup Handicap (G2) on Friday night.

Dismissed at odds of 40.50-to-1 in the Woodward, Past the Point set the pace into the stretch under jockey Edgar Prado, before Curlin chased him down in the final sixteenth to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

Prior to the Woodward, Tte Indian Charlie ridgling won a 1 1/8-mile allowance/optional claiming race on August 3 at Saratoga Race Course for trainer Eoin Harty and owner Darley Stable. A strong performance in the Meadowlands Cup could lead to a start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) for Past the Point.

John Velazquez rode Past the Point in the victory and will be back aboard on Friday, with Prado switching to Grade 2 winner Arson Squad, who will make his first start since joining trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.’s barn.

Previously based with Bruce Headley in Southern California, Arson Squad finished seventh in the Pat O’Brien Handicap (G2) on August 24 in his most recent start. Dutrow won the Meadowlands Cup last year with Diamond Stripes.

Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Da’ Tara and Pennsylvania Derby (G2) winner Anak Nakal will face older horses for the first time for Racing Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito.

The last three-year-old to win the Meadowlands Cup was Peaks and Valleys in 1995.

Da’ Tara finished fifth in the Travers Stakes Presented by Shadwell Farm (G1) on August 23 at Saratoga. Anak Nakal snapped a six-race losing streak in the Pennsylvania Derby on September 1 at Philadelphia Park.

Timber Reserve, last year’s Pennsylvania Derby winner, will switch targets after being scratched from the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) on September 27 because of a sloppy track at Belmont Park.

The field, in post-position order, with (sire), jockey, weight, and trainer:

1. Da’ Tara (Tiznow), Alan Garcia, 120, Nicholas P. Zito;

2. Timber Reserve (Forest Camp), Kent J. Desormeaux, 119, John C. Kimmel;

3. P V Lightening (Sultry Song), Travis L. Dunkelberger, 119, Gary Capuano;

4. Anak Nakal (Victory Gallop), Joe Bravo, 120, Nicholas P. Zito;

5. Past the Point (Indian Charlie), John R. Velazquez, 119, Eoin G. Harty;

6. Actin Good (Yes It’s True), Cornelio H. Velasquez, 123, Bobby S. Dibona;

7. True Resurgence (Yes It’s True), Jeffrey Sanchez, 119, John P. Terranova, II; and

8. Arson Squad (Brahms), Edgar S. Prado, 119, Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
(Source: Thoroughbred Times)