TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon

 

Knockin’ Down the Door

Not many had 17-1 Dornoch crossing the finish line first in this year’s running of the $2 million Belmont (G1) at Saratoga, but that’s the beauty of the game we call horse racing.

One of the few people who had the colt’s back on Saturday was none other than former MLB All-Star and World Series Champion Jayson Werth.

The 15-year MLB vet, who is part of Dornoch’s ownership group, said after the race that the Belmont score stands alongside his greatest career accomplishments.

The unforgettable moment was made possible by rider Luis Saez and trainer Danny Gargan – a pair of industry heavyweights who brought the best out of the 3-year-old when it mattered most.

Those who listened to Werth were rewarded with a fruitful $37.40 return on a $2 win bet.

 

Bright Lights? Bring it on

National Treasure may only have four wins in 13 career starts, but the 4-year-old always steps his game when it matters most.

That was the case again this past Saturday at Saratoga, when the Flavien Prat mount thrashed the competition for a 6 ¼-length victory in the $1 million Metropolitan (G1).

While National Treasure has a way to go before reaching the $347 million that the Nicolas Cage-led adventure film grossed worldwide, the Metropolitan triumph pushed the Bob Baffert trainee over $5 million in career earnings.

Since making his pro debut in September 2022, the colt has made quite the name for himself around the North American circuit.

The third Grade 1 score on National Treasure’s resume (2023 Grade 1 Preakness and 2024 Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational) paid a modest $4.70.

 

Jet Lag?

Travelling half-way across the world might sound exhausting to some, save for 4-year-old colt Measured Time (GB).

The Charles Appleby charge made his North American debut at Saratoga this past Saturday following a very successful seven-race run across Dubai and the United Kingdom

Accompanied by rider William Buick, Measured Time had no issues translating that strong form into the $1 million Manhattan, which he captured by 2-lengths as the board’s second choice.

The enchanting performance improved Measured Time’s lifetime line to a near-perfect 6-1-0 through eight starts. It also vaulted him over the $1 million earnings threshold ($1.27 million overall).

Bettors who took a measured approach were repaid with an $8.20 return.

 

Nothing Random About it

Randomized has been on a roll these past 11 months and is showing no signs of slowing down after a front-leading $500,000 Ogden Phipps (G1) triumph this past Saturday at Saratoga.

In six starts since last July, the 4-year-old filly has yet to finish lower than second, winning four. Randomized’s latest conquest, the 1 1/8-mile Ogden Phipps, marks the third graded trophy that she’s collected during the impressive hot streak (Grade 1 Alabama and Grade 2 Beldame).

The Ogden Phipps, however, proved twice as sweet for Randomized, as she was able to return the favour to 3-5 Idiomatic, who stole the Breeders’ Cup Distaff by a half-length on Nov. 4, 2023.

At 6-1, the Chad Brown protégé offered strong value given her sterling track record. Career win number five paid an even $14 (9: 5-2-1).

 

Leave the Past Behind

Although Society Man’s last trip to Churchill Downs didn’t go according to plan (16^th in the Kentucky Derby), the Danny Gargan trainee more than made up for it with a determined come from behind effort in the $400,000 Matt Winn (G3).

Running from the fifth post position in the field of eight, the 3-year-old gelding didn’t get the cleanest start out of the gate but rebounded quickly to occupy a prime position that ultimately gave way to the first graded score of Society Man’s young career.

Sunday’s exemplary showing came at an opportune time for the Corey Lanerie mount, as 8-5 closing line favourite Nash was unfortunately scratched ahead of post time.

The budding star’s absence opened the door for Society Man (6-1), and the Kentucky-bred did not miss his chance.

The Matt Winn win paid a cool $14.78.