July 29, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Against All Odds
It took nine tries, but Nakatomi is finally a graded stakes winner.
Like the man who saved Nakatomi Plaza in 1988, the 5-year-old gelding defied the odds to unseat even-money favorite Skelly and reclaim control of the $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G1) at Saratoga.
Saturday’s heroic effort will undoubtedly go down as a memorable one for the Wesley Ward trainee, who also vaulted above the $1 million career purse earnings mark.
Nakatomi’s first win of 2024 (3: 1-0-2) and sixth overall through 18 lifetime starts (6-2-6), came by a clean 1 ½-length margin.
The milestone marker paid $9.30.
Don’t Discount Me
Possibly overlooked following a career-worst showing last out in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Fierceness reminded the Saratoga crowd of just how dangerous he can be.
The Todd Pletcher charge left the gate in Saturday’s $500,000 Jim Dandy (G2) on a mission to prove his worth as one of the top 3-year-olds in North America.
Working under rider John Velazquez, Fierceness did exactly that.
While not on the same level as their 13 ½-length triumph in March’s Florida Derby (G1), the pair settled for a one-length clearance over 4-5 closing line choice Sierra Leone.
The third graded stakes tally and fourth altogether (7: 4-0-1) for Fierceness paid a modest $5.60.
Foregone Conclusion
First, it was the 72-10 ’95-96 Chicago Bulls. Next, it was the 73-9 ’15-16 Golden State Warriors.
Today, it’s 5-year-old gelding The Chosen Vron, who breezed to a 2 ¼-length victory in the $400,000 Bing Crosby (G1) for his 14th trip to the winner’s circle in his last 15 starts.
The multiple graded stakes winner and now two-time Bing Crosby champion has been a marvel for trainer/co-owner/co-breeder Eric Kruljac since debuting in December 2020.
Victorious in 19 of his 24 career starts, 18 of which have been of the stakes variety (including five graded), The Chosen Vron has never finished lower than fifth.
The horse who seemingly forgot how to lose paid an even $5 on Saturday.
Tune-Up Tally
A brief conditioning stint at the claiming ranks worked wonders for Scalable, who delivered her most complete performance to date in Saturday afternoon’s $255,500 Monmouth Oaks (G2).
The three-quarters of a length decision over 3-2 favorite Gun Song awarded Scalable her first graded trophy in her sixth attempt at the level.
Under the guidance of veteran rider Paco Lopez, the 3-year-old filly rode close to the rail in the early goings before angling out for a clearer path to the finish line.
The move paid dividends for Scalable, as she no longer has to track down the elusive title of ‘graded stakes winner.’
The third win of Todd Pletcher trainee’s career paid $8.60 (9: 3-1-0).
Knott a Doubt
The $250,000 Bowling Green (G2T) was a stroll through the park for 2-5 choice Silver Knott (GB) and top rider Flavien Prat.
Expectations were high heading into the 1 3/16-mile contest and the dynamic duo did not disappoint with a front-leading 2 ½-length score.
The first-class dash around Saratoga’s turf, which represented the 4-year-old gelding’s second straight graded conquest, also happened to be Prat’s third win on the day.
Off to a perfect 3-for-3 start to the 2024 campaign, Silver Knott looks to be rounding into form in his age four season after being held out of the winner’s circle in six starts last year (14: 5-2-4 lifetime).
The smooth Bowling Green strike paid $2.80.
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