1st-Saratoga, $105,000, Msw, 8-7, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:02.50, fm, 2 lengths.
GILCREASE (c, 2, More Than Ready–Indian Brava {SP}, by Bernardini) was let go at longshot odds, owing in large part to an overbet favorite in the form of 3-4 Talkin Pharoah (American Pharoah), and got the Sunday program at Saratoga off to a $54 upset for a barn that can strike with this kind. Showing good speed for this career debut, the dark bay chased from third as Talkin Pharoah argued the pace inside of his stable companion, the filly Scarpia (Union Rags) through an opening quarter mile in a lively :21.17. Chased along by Julien Leparoux from third as they raced around the turn, Gilcrease made ominous headway into contention on the swing for home, was steered out to split the Ward duo with about an eighth of a mile to travel and kicked home to take it by a solid two lengths. Scarpia was an excellent second ahead of Certified Loverboy (Mendelssohn) in third, while Talkin Pharoah retreated to finish last of the octet. Andrea Pollack's operation acquired Gilcrease's stakes-placed dam for $425,000 in foal to Runhappy at Keeneland November in 2017, but this colt is her only live produce. Indian Brava is a daughter of My Juliet S. heroine (103 Beyer) and GI Prioress S. third Indian Way (Indian Charlie)–winner of four of her six career starts–and was most recently covered by Runhappy. Gilcrease is bred on the exact same cross as GI Belmont Derby and GI Travers S. victor Catholic Boy. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $57,750. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.
O/B-Columbine Stable LLC (KY); T-Albert M Stall Jr.
Born and raised at Claiborne for breeder Columbine Stable, GILCREASE gets it done at first asking! https://t.co/Dufr9AN19e
— Claiborne Farm (@claibornefarm) August 7, 2022
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