Adam Coglianese
Transforming the dream into a reality, Peter Deutsch’s New York-bred juvenile Saratoga Dreamer (Elusive Quality) overcame an outside post to score an authoritative victory in a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for the Christophe Clement barn on Wednesday at the Spa.
Bet down to 3-1 favoritism in the field of 10 two-year-olds and partnered with Irad Ortiz, Jr. who was seeking his third win on the card, Saratoga Dreamer broke well from his outside post and sat off an energetic early battle for the lead, settling squarely in the second flight in fourth as the leaders ticked off a fast early first quarter-mile in 21.49.
Asked for run around the quarter pole and swinging out into the four path at the head of the stretch, Saratoga Dreamer proceeded to run down the lone survivor of the pace battle, Sheriff Taylor, with a little more than a furlong to go and kicked away to a decisive 2 1/4-length victory.
After a quarter-mile in 44.73, the final time for the 5 1/2 furlongs over the firm Mellon turf course was a sharp 1:02.51. Longshot Coastal Zip (20-1) finished second, 3 1/4 lengths ahead of Boldlee and Gear Jammer, who finished a neck apart in third and fourth. [VIDEO]
Clement said of Saratoga Dreamer, who had posted eight works at Saratoga, capped by a pair of bullets at three and four furlongs, “He trained very well [in the morning] and he ran very professionally. He’s a nice horse and we keep the dream alive with him!” Added Clement, “I’m delighted. [Owner] Peter Deutsch has been supporting the stable for a long time and I’m very happy for him.”
As to the decision to try Saratoga Dreamer on the turf first out, Clement feels he has options down the road. “I trained him on both [surfaces],” said Clement. “He moved better on the grass and the dam is by Irish River, but I’m not 100% sold he is a turf horse.”
Bred by Aynsford Holdings LLC and foaled on March 24, 2012 at Hidden Lake Farm in Otisville, Saratoga Dreamer is the fourth winner from four foals to start out of St Francis Wood, a black type placed daughter of Irish River (FR) purchased by Anynsford Holdings at the 2011 Keeneland January sale for $47,000. St Francis Wood is a full sister to turf stakes winner Abbey Bridge.
Offered at the 2013 Keeneland September yearling sale, Saratoga Dreamer was a $95,000 RNA.
I watched his race at the Spa and it was an impressive win. I am curious to follow his progress.