by Myra Lewyn

Harlem Rocker uncorked a determined rally on the turn, collared runner-up J Be K in midstretch, then powered clear under a hand ride from Eibar Coa for a comfortable win in the $150,000 Withers Stakes (G3) on Saturday at Aqueduct.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Harlem Rocker continued a methodical ascension up the class ladder in the one-mile race, his stakes debut, which he won by 2½ lengths over 0.75-to-1 favorite J Be K while covering the distance in 1:34.50 on a fast track.

The Macho Uno colt spent the winter at Gulfstream Park where he won his debut in a seven-furlong maiden special weight on February 14 before graduating to a one-mile allowance race 45 days later, which he won by three-quarters of length. Both off-the-pace victories showcased the strong stretch kick that he displayed in the Withers.

Harlem Rocker checked slightly at the start but quickly recovered as Coa settled him at the back of the four-horse field while Bay Shore Stakes (G2) winner J Be K set a moderate pace through an opening quarter in :23.91.

Harlem Rocker advanced to third past stablemate Face the Cat through a half-mile in :46.41 and was three lengths behind J Be K approaching the turn. He moved four wide into the stretch, uncorking a strong rally to run down J Be K near the eight pole and drew clear.

Double Or Nothing, who entered off a victory in the one-mile Private Terms Stakes on March 22, at Laurel Park finished 7¾ lengths back in third.

A Stronach Stables homebred, Harlem Rocker is out of the Lit de Justice mare Freedom Come. The $90,000 winner’s share of the Withers purse increased his career bankroll to $139,500.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Myra Lewyn is daily news editor of Thoroughbred Times