From the Spa: July 13 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 

Saturday, July 13th at the Spa features the Grade I Diana Stakes and the Grade III Sanford. While the Diana does not have any Mid-Atlantic entries, the small, five horse field of the Sanford has our Maryland bred, Raging Whiskey, breaking from the two post. Raging Whiskey joins the other two-year-old colts in this six furlong dirt sprint for $150,000, and is the second morning line choice with odds of 5/2 to Cucina, who was bred out of Florida. In a small field such as this, a good ride is imperative, and Raging Whiskey will certainly be in great hands with jockey Javier Castellano, who will riding this bay colt for the first time. With guidance from the right jockey, as well as training from Doug O’Neill, Raging Whiskey will be primed to take down Cucina, as well as his three other contenders.

Raging Whiskey was bred by Finn’s Nickel, LLC and Anchor & Hope Farm Inc. and is owned by Charles Bartlett and Greg Pappas. He is coming off of a two and one quarter length victory at Santa Anita on June 2nd, where he broke behind Restoring Dreams only to pass him at the quarter pole and never look back. Raging Whiskey was favored in that try at 9/5, and added to his career earnings of $44,850, nearly doubling his $25,000 price tag as a yearling. Having only raced in one other maiden before that try, he will need to continue to improve to compete with the top in his class at Saratoga. Raging Whiskey is by Bourbon Courage – Fullerene, by Quiet American.