All four of the stakes winners on the Thursday card at Saratoga exited their respective races in good order according to their conditioners.
The Grey Wizard (Ire) (Caravaggio) took home the GII Belmont Gold Cup S. with a timely surge at the wire, which earned the 5-year-old the Golden Ticket for the G1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Nov. 5.
Trainer Graham Motion said, “He looks really good, this morning. I'm very happy with him. He scoped clean and he looks really well.”
Motion said he will speak with [owner] Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners before making a decision on whether to travel to Australia and take part in 'the race that stops a nation.'
“I need to talk to Leigh [Jordan, Executive General Manager, Racing of Victoria Racing Club] about there being other incentives and I haven't even spoken to Aron [Wellman] yet, but I'm as game as anyone with this kind of stuff. I think this horse is the right kind of horse to do it with, but it is a huge ask. I'm sure we will discuss it.”
'TDN Rising Star' Looks To Test
Almostgone Rocket (Into Mischief), who earned 'TDN Rising Star' honors on debut at Oaklawn Park, stayed perfect when she won the Jersey Girl S. on Thursday. Trainer Brad Cox said that the filly will target the GI Test S. at Saratoga which is set for Aug. 3.
“She came back in good shape and I'm super happy with how she looks,” said Cox. “We're going to zero in on the Test and hopefully she can put in a similar effort.”
Tremont To Sanford Question
Studlydoright (Nyquist), who came from off the pace to win the Tremont S., is already back home at his base in Maryland.
Studlydoright | Sarah Andrew
“First stakes win in June in Saratoga ever, right?” the Laurel Park-based trainer John “Jerry” Robb said. “The horse came out of it great. He shipped back a few hours after the race and everything's good.”
As to whether the GIII Sanford S. at Saratoga July 13 will be the 2-year-old colt's next target, Robb said he was unsure at this point.
“We really haven't talked about it,” said Robb. “We were thinking about the race in Kentucky, the Bashford Manor, but that's back a little quick. At Saratoga they come back with a race going three-quarters in mid-July which is a little better. The owner is very involved, so I'll discuss everything with him.”
Astoria Upsetter On Hold
Trainer Jena Antonucci confirmed that Astoria S. heroine Whatintheliteral (Lord Nelson) exited her race in good order, but the conditioner has not yet given much thought about the next step for her 2-year-old filly.
“She's great, came out of the race great,” said Antonucci. “She did well last night and looks all of her normal, sassy-self today.”
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