From the Spa: July 25 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   

With Pennsylvania bred Caravel picking up the first Midlantic bred stakes victory at the Spa this meet, we turn our attention to the Grade III Shuvee Stakes on Sunday, July 25th for the next Midlantic entry. Another small field of seven will face the Shuvee for fillies and mares four years old and up at a mile and one eighth on the dirt. Even with a trio of Chad Brown runners and former Alabama winner Dunbar Road, there is no clear-cut favorite, which gives 8/1 morning line shot Horologist as good a chance as any to find the winner’s circle.

Breaking from the inside post in the ninth race is Horologist, a five year old mare trained by Billy Mott. Bred in New Jersey by Holly Crest Farm, Horologist has been bet to favorite in her last three starts, all at a mile and an eighth, with a stakes win at Aqueduct back in April. While she has struggled to put in consistent efforts, Horologist has great back-class, often racing against the top mares in the country and typically holding her own. She will get back her usual rider in Junior Alvarado for this try, who should be primed for a perfect stalking trip off of others that want the early lead. With the right running style and plenty of familiarity with her competitors, Horologist should give owners There’s A Chance Stable, Medallion Racing, Abbondanza Racing LLC, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher a good chance for their first win at Saratoga. Horologist is by Gemologist – Cinderella Time, by Stephen Got Even.