From the Spa: September 3 Midlantic-breds in Saratoga stakes

I Spent It wins the 2014 Saratoga Special. Photo by NYRA/Adam Coglianese.

by Joseph Aiello

“From the Spa” returns to keep you up-to-date on horses bred in the mid-Atlantic racing in Saratoga stakes.

Monday, September 3rd is closing day at the Spa with the tenth race being the last feature, the $350,000 Grade I Hopeful. The Hopeful is a seven furlong sprint on the dirt exclusively for two year olds, many of whom go on to run in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. This year’s race has a field of eight, all of whom are well matched, yet two runners will start at long morning line odds of 20/1. Our Mid-Atlantic bred, Thatwouldbegrand, happens to be one of them, breaking from the four hole with leading jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons for the first time.

Thatwouldbegrand is a chestnut colt by Power Broker – Anofficerandalady, by Officer who was sold to owner Steven Newby for $30,000 as a yearling. Bred in Maryland by Mr. & Mrs. Charles McGinnes & Colleen Torsney, this colt has finished both starts at Laurel Park, most recently winning a maiden special weight on August 4th. Thatwouldbegrand sat off the leaders in that try, only to close four wide in the stretch run and win as the post time favorite. That strong closing kick was enough for trainer Dale Capuano to believe his colt would be ready for a step up in class into this Grade I. While Thatwouldbegrand certainly faces an uphill battle in this test, putting his full talent on display here would be a great end to a promising two year old season.