Multiple stakes winners Doc Sullivan and Bank Frenzy are set to renew their competition in the $125,000 New York-bred 3-year-olds-and-up 1-mile Alex M. Robb Stakes, taking place on Friday, December 26, at Aqueduct Racetrack.
This marks the fifth meeting between TriStar Farm’s Doc Sullivan and LSU Stable’s Bank Frenzy, with both horses holding two wins each against one another. Last year, Bank Frenzy narrowly edged out Doc Sullivan in this race, but Doc Sullivan returned to claim a decisive victory in October’s nine-furlong Empire Classic at Aqueduct. Earlier this year, Doc Sullivan participated in two seven-furlong John Morrissey races at Saratoga, finishing behind Bank Frenzy in those events.
Trainer John Ortiz, who conditions Doc Sullivan, is building on recent success, having won six out of eleven races at the Aqueduct Fall Meet. With several horses now bred and raced by Glenn Rostritto’s TriStar Farm, Ortiz plans to keep operations within New York year-round. TriStar Farms also owns Bravasa Nubileeve, a recent winner of the NYSSS Fifth Avenue.
Ortiz expressed gratitude toward Rostritto’s trust and knowledge of the sport, expressing hopes to grow their presence in New York horse racing, especially as Belmont Park prepares for its upcoming season.
Doc Sullivan, a 4-year-old son of Solomini, was initially entered in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile Handicap but was withdrawn to focus on other opportunities. At the NYSSS Thunder Rumble on November 22, Doc Sullivan showed strong versatility and speed, leading much of the race before finishing with a Beyer Speed Figure of 96. Ortiz praised the horse’s condition, energy, and adaptability to different distances.
Bred by Seamus Coughlan, Doc Sullivan had a solid year, finishing fourth in two graded races and claiming two state-bred stakes at Saratoga. After transferring stables, he has accumulated earnings of $657,840 with a record of 19 wins, 6 seconds, and 6 thirds. Ortiz credits a change in attitude and attentive care for Doc Sullivan’s improved performance.
Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. will ride from Post 4 in the upcoming race.
Bank Frenzy, ridden by Manny Franco from Post 2, will make his first start with trainer Miguel Clement, returning to the mile distance. While his recent performances at shorter distances have been less impressive, Bank Frenzy holds a strong 10-6-2-0 record at the mile and longer. The 5-year-old gelding, bred by Chester and Mary Broman, won this race last year by a nose over Doc Sullivan and has since added four more stakes victories, including a notable win against open company in March.
With career earnings of $854,420 and a record of 21 wins, 10 seconds, and 5 thirds, Bank Frenzy aims to continue his success against Doc Sullivan at middle distances.
The field also includes Grade 1 competitor The Wine Steward (Post 1, ridden by Jose Rezcano), who recently returned to national racing after finishing sixth in the six-furlong Thanksgiving Classic at Fairgrounds Racetrack. The 4-year-old Vinorosso-bred mare boasts multiple graded stakes placements and has earned $747,010 so far in her career.
Other entrants are General Banker (Post 3, Ruben Silvera), trained by Jimmy Ferraro; Lock and Key (Post 7, Sahin Shivashi), trained by Jim Ryerson; Share the Lad (Post 6, Chris Elliott), trained by Melanie Giddings; and Quick to Accuse (Post 5, Julio Hernandez), trained by Panagiotis Cinefias.
The Alex M. Robb Stakes, part of a nine-race card on Friday, December 26, has a scheduled post time of 11:40 a.m. ET.
America’s Day at the Races will provide live coverage and analysis of the Aqueduct Fall Meet on FOX Sports. For TV schedules and channel information, visit the NYRA website. NYRA Bets remains the official wagering platform for Aqueduct, available nationwide via their app on iOS and Android.
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Fan Take: This highly anticipated showdown between Doc Sullivan and Bank Frenzy is a thrilling chapter in New York’s horse racing scene, showcasing the depth of talent bred and raced in-state. For fans, it highlights the competitive spirit and quality racing that keep the sport vibrant and promising for future generations.
