Danger to Society to Make Comeback at Gulfstream Park - 02-17-10

February 17 - Everyone loves a 'comeback kid' and this Thursday (February 18) at Gulfstream Park Racecourse in Florida, four-year-old Kentucky-bred colt Danger to Society will attempt to make his comeback in a $62,500 allowance optional claiming race over 1 1/8 miles, following a lengthy break.

Last year trainer Ken McPeek had big plans for the colt that included the Kentucky Derby. However, after notching up a few 'easy' wins early on in his career, he failed to live up to his potential. This was highlighted by a 9th place in the Holy Bull Stakes (Gr 3) in January 2009, despite starting as the 9/5 favorite.

Shortly after that race, Danger to Society's owners, Lansdon Robbins and Samuel Delane, transferred the colt to the barn of respected trainer, Rick Dutrow Jr. To give Danger to Society one last shot at the Kentucky Derby, Dutrow entered the thoroughbred in the prestigious Arkansas Derby (Gr 2) at Oaklawn Park.

Unfortunately, as in the Holy Bull Stakes, Danger to Society failed to impress as he tired quickly and ended up crossing the line again in 9th place, while superb runner Papa Clem claimed the top honor. From then until now, Dutrow has kept the colt on ice. However, the trainer believes he is ready to try again.

Said Dutrow, 'If I remember right, Danger to Society had some bruised cannon bones so I had to back off him. But he' s training the right way, he' s ready to run, and I' m happy to have him in this race. Although, after being away this long and running this far, he'll probably need a race to show his true colours.'

Despite Dutrow's confidence, Danger to Society will have to overcome some tough rivals on Thursday. These include Bob Baffert's Battle Plan, who also started out his career with a bang before being sidelined, and Headache, who'll break from the inside post with champion jockey Julien Leparoux aboard.

Here is the complete field and odds for the race (for 4-year-olds and up that have never won $7,500 twice other than maiden, claiming or starter or which have never won three races or claiming price $62,500):