Saturday’s Big Winners Show Form as Hopefuls Prepare for Coming Targets

Saratoga standouts Excellent Truth and Far Bridge emerged in good condition following their weekend stakes triumphs, with connections eyeing prestigious targets for both runners.

Chad Brown collected his tenth GI Diana Stakes victory Saturday with Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), while ‘TDN Rising Star’ Far Bridge (English Channel) delivered a dominant performance in the GII Bowling Green Stakes despite challenging weather conditions.

“That was a very courageous performance,” said Brown, who has now won nine Diana Stakes in the past decade. “I’m so proud of her, with the way she battled back and showed a lot of heart. She got a really good trip—she got bumped a little bit in the lane—but outside of that, she got a good trip and she’s been a very consistent horse. You could argue with a little better racing luck, she could’ve won all three of her starts here.”

Brown believes the Irish-bred mare has established herself as the division leader after finally breaking through with a top-level U.S. victory following two near-misses.

“If she had, I think everyone would be viewing her as a clear leader of the division. I still think she is a slight leader of the division, with a heads up win there just now, but I view her as a horse that easily could’ve been undefeated so far, at three different distances. She is a remarkable talent, and I’m not surprised—she has always trained super.”

While Excellent Truth exited the Diana in good condition, Brown confirmed she would bypass the GII Ballston Spa on August 8.

“I think it [the Ballston Spa] is too tight. I can’t see any scenario where I wheel her back in that race,” Brown said. Her next target remains undecided.

Stablemate Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who finished third in the Diana, may see a reduction in distance for her next start.

“The turf was to her liking, but I think with the pace, those two horses sprinted home. Additionally, my reservation with her stretching out was the pace gets a little softer and it might dilute her kick just a touch. I was happy she got up for third,” Brown explained.

Far Bridge Targets Sword Dancer Title Defense

Far Bridge delivered an effortless victory in the GII Bowling Green Stakes under Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario, despite rain reducing the field size.

“He’s sound and in good order, and I’m delighted with him,” said trainer Miguel Clement. “He handles all adversity, obstacles and challenges. He was enjoying himself, which I love to see, and his ears were pricked up. He’s enjoying life and it’s great. He and Joel have a great relationship, and we’re off to the Sword Dancer.”

The GI Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes on August 9 offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar in November. A successful title defense would make Far Bridge just the eighth horse to win multiple editions of the Sword Dancer since the race was established at its current mile-and-a-half distance in 1980.

Minaret Station Points to Saratoga Derby Invitational

Minaret Station (Instilled Regard), winner of last October’s GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes, has impressed connections since returning victoriously in the Listed American Derby at Churchill Downs on June 28.

Trainer Will Walden confirmed the OXO Equine colorbearer will target the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational on August 2.

“He’s doing great. I’m really excited about him,” Walden said. “It was a long layoff having the winter off. We targeted that spot [American Derby] from the moment he stepped foot in Keeneland in April. We were lucky that we didn’t have any hiccups along the way.”

Minaret Station worked a half-mile Friday over Saratoga’s main track in :49.65 (58/92)—his first breeze at the venue after previously training at Keeneland and Churchill Downs.

“He’s still a big baby, figuring all this out. He’s getting better, and his confidence level is really high. He’s a happy horse and he’s doing well. We’re aiming for the Saratoga Derby and we’re excited about it,” Walden added.

Good Cheer Continues Alabama Preparations

GI Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer (Medaglia d’Oro) worked a half-mile Sunday over the Saratoga main track, covering four furlongs in :50.66 (99/114) according to NYRA clockers.

The Godolphin homebred is preparing for the GI Alabama Stakes on August 16 following her first career defeat when finishing fifth as the favorite in the GI DK Horse Acorn Stakes on June 6.

“She just went a nice smooth half-mile from the three-eighths pole,” said Blake Cox, assistant trainer to his father Brad. “We kept her off the rail. I believe she worked in 50 [seconds], which is exactly what we wanted her to do. We have plenty of time until the Alabama, and in the next few weeks, we’ll start asking her to do more.”

The connections remain puzzled by Good Cheer’s subpar Acorn performance.

“I don’t really know about the Acorn, that was just a flat effort, and we can’t really come up with an excuse. You could tell on the backside that she wasn’t traveling well, but hopefully she comes back to her old self in the Alabama,” Cox said.