Doc Sullivan looks to rebound in $125K NYSSS Thunder Rumble

Tristar Farm’s Doc Sullivan vies for his second career stakes conquest in Saturday’s $125,000 Thunder Rumble division of the New York Stallion Stakes Series, a seven-furlong sprint for eligible New York-sired horses 3-years-old and up, at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Trained by Michael Miceli, the sophomore son of Solomini was last seen finishing a closing sixth in the nine-furlong Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby on September 21 at Parx Racing in his first graded attempt. There, the usually prominent colt was last-of-11 through the first three-quarter-miles under Jose Ortiz and put in a mild bid to finish 9 3/4 lengths behind the victorious pacesetter Seize the Grey.

“He was last going into the first turn – I couldn’t understand that, but it is what it is and he did put a finish in and beat half the field,” Miceli said. “He was a long way back and got shuffled leaving the gate I guess.”

Miceli said Doc Sullivan should relish a return to seven-furlongs, a distance he excelled at when capturing the state-bred Mike Lee in June at Saratoga Race Course by four lengths. That effort produced a career-best and co-field-high 91 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He can deliver if it goes his way and he can put in a fast performance,” Miceli said. “He’s won at a mile and at seven-eighths. He was a little green in his first race or two and he didn’t like the kickback too much. Once he got the hang of things, he got more mature and has been a gem of consistency since then.”

Hall of Famer Javier Castellano, aboard for the Mike Lee, returns to the irons from post 3.