July 14, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
No Lies Detected
Truth be told, not many envisioned a version of Saturday’s $500,000 Diana (G1T) that didn’t end with 3-5 favorite She Feels Pretty standing in the winner’s circle.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, it was 5-year-old mare Excellent Truth (IRE) who had the final say in the 1 1/8-mile contest at Saratoga.
The board’s second choice at 3-1 dug in gamely as the finish line approached to prevail over her four-time Grade 1 winning foe by head.
Excellent Truth’s first graded stakes win, and trainer Chad Brown’s 10th Diana title, paid $8 even.
Perfect Strike
Far Bridge spared no opposition en route to a commanding victory in Saturday’s $200,000 Bowling Green (G2T) at Saratoga.
Operating as the 3-5 choice in a heavily condensed four-horse field (there were multiple scratches), Far Bridge took advantage of the extra space, mounting a 5 ½-length cushion into the stretch before cruising past the finish line three lengths ahead of El Rezeen.
The 5-year-old Miguel Clement charge’s third win from four starts this season was his ninth through 18 starts lifetime (9-3-3).
Far Bridge paid $3.10.
Spark Provided
Roja and rider Jaime Rodriguez had it all working in the $125,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes on Saturday afternoon at Monmouth Park.
While a trip to the winner’s circle was expected for the 3-5 closing line favorite, Roja exceeded already lofty expectations with a professional 3 ½-length tally.
The shining result was a welcomed sight for the 3-year-old filly after landing as the runner-up in the Stormy Blue Stakes last time out.
Now a stakes champion, Roja owns a strong 2-1-1 record across five starts. Her finest performance to date paid $3.40.
Groove On
Patience proved the difference for Winfinity in Saturday’s $125,000 Miss Disco Stakes at Colonial Downs.
Lined up in post four for the five-horse dash, Winfinity, under the steady hand of rider Ben Curtis, showed impressive poise as her top rival Conquerthosewecan hopped out to an early lead.
Not wavering in her approach, the 3-year-old filly stood six lengths behind the leader going into the stretch where she then decided to make her move and pull away for the 2 ¾-length score.
Winfinity’s second stakes tally, and first since her professional debut (Keswick on August 3, 2024), paid $4.80.
In Command
Governor Sam lived up to his billing as the favorite in Sunday afternoon’s Quick Call (G3T) to earn his first graded title.
Sent off at 3-5 in the $175,000 contest, Governor Sam put on a show for the Saratoga faithful with a decisive 3 1/2-length triumph.
The 3-year-old colt looked like the horse who rattled off three straight stakes wins before finishing third in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) and not the horse who faltered to fourth in an allowance race last time out.
Back in the win column, Governor Sam paid $3.50.
