Saratoga opened its 40-day summer meet Thursday with trainer George Weaver scoring an impressive victory as Cy Fair earned ‘TDN Rising Star’ status with a commanding maiden win on the Mellon turf course.
The 2-year-old filly by Not This Time dominated the $100,000 maiden special weight, drawing off to win by 3 1/4 lengths under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. Cy Fair completed the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:01.49.
“We are delighted,” Weaver said in the winner’s circle. “Not surprised. Very happy.”
The victory represents a significant return on investment for connections who acquired the filly for $185,000 after she initially failed to meet her reserve at the 2025 OBS Spring Sale of 2-year-olds in-training.
Weaver admitted his initial evaluation of Cy Fair at the sale wasn’t particularly enthusiastic.
“When we go to these sales, what it boils down to is, ‘yes, I like her or, no, I don’t,'” Weaver explained. “The first time I saw her, I didn’t really fault her that much. She was light boned and small… it wasn’t enough to get me jacked up.”
Bloodstock agent Jake Ballis encouraged Weaver to reconsider the filly after she failed to sell in the ring.
“When I went back for the second look, I thought, ‘you know, she is alright’ and I told Jake that,” Weaver said. “And he decided to make a deal to buy her, and he did.”
The trainer noted several factors that ultimately influenced the purchase decision, including her workout time and pedigree connection to Crimson Advocate, a two-time Royal Ascot winner previously trained by Weaver.
Sent off at 5-1 odds, Cy Fair took control through the turn before drawing clear in the stretch. Mermaid (Caravaggio) finished second, a head in front of Keto Drink (Twirling Candy).
Post-time favorite Cooperation (Showcasing) from the Arnaud Delacour barn was scratched after rearing behind the starting gate.
“You just never know,” Weaver said. “The four [Cooperation] looked good in the paddock. It’s Saratoga. I like mine; other guys like theirs. You put them in the gate, and you see what happens.”
The win completed a double for Weaver, who also captured the second race with Devil in Disguise (Bolt d’Oro).
“I’m two-for-two,” he said with a grin. “Batting 100 percent. Let’s stop the meet. I’m done.”
Weaver expressed particular satisfaction in developing young horses like Cy Fair.
“I love training 2-year-olds,” he said. “It’s different from training a made horse or a claiming horse. Bringing them along, trying to teach them the ropes, trying to teach them how to be a racehorse. Their talent and their class and their acceptance of your lessons will decide how far you go with them.”
Cy Far is a dominant winner in R6 at Saratoga under @ljlmvel for trainer George Weaver! 💪 pic.twitter.com/nk4zGJcnjY
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
Cy Far is a dominant winner in R6 at Saratoga under July 10, 2025
