Can the words Amazing, Brilliant or outright Spectacular best describe the finish of this years Grade I The Test. Of course they can because that’s exactly how the ending of this race had everyone on the edge of their seats.
- The Test Grade I Purse $500.000
- Saratoga Race Course – For Fillies Three years old
- One Mile and an Eighth- Main Track
In what in my opinion was one of the best closing battles to be scene at Saratoga in some time, Estero Farms You Just Have 2 Wait ( 10-1 ) and post time favorite Joshua Stables Tommy Frazier ( 7-2 ) would have many of the fans running to rail to watch these two compete in full force to the wire.
While Queen Commander ( TwinTowersRacing ) would lay down some fast early fractions of 22 and four, 45 and three and 1:09 and three, a slew of horses would spread across the track down the lane in the final furlong. Mb Stables Dream Whisperer ( 12-1 ) had stayed in a stalking position throughout and was now within a half length. Her stablemate First Impressions (11-1 ) sat three off till the turn for home, then started to make his attack on the lead. John Henry’s new purchase Sweet Catomine ( 11-1 ) sat behind this group hoping for a hole to open so she could break threw.
As for You Just Have 2 Wait and Tommy Frazier, trainer Rich from Estero Farms knew what Tommy Frazier was capable of being that bay fillies previous trainer. The two would close superbly in the mid of the track only separated by a half a length with a furlong to run. It was as if You Just Have 2 Wait stared down her competitor to her outside as if to say. ” Not today Tommy, sorry this one’s mine.” The duo would finally get to the front with two tenths of a furlong to run, then be separated by just a neck in a photo at the line in a time of 1:21.89 and 1:21.94.
I remember back in April when I covered this bay filly out of Just Not Adequate and I was certain she would take home the SA Oaks that day. She ended up fourth in that event, and subsequently a third in the KY Oaks. When she placed tenth in the Acorn, many thought she was all done with her winning ways. Surprise everyone, she is back and back hopefully to keep tearing up the sprint stage. There were smiles all around in this winners circle.
I was truly high on the running style of Tommy Frazier in my review of this event, and I must say she has some kick in her to get to the front late. Not only having to overcome the twelve hole, then sit some seven lengths back at the half mile mark, this filly out of Foresight is the real deal. I’m assuming Rich is wishing he didn’t let her go after all, but Josh is definitely saying ” Thank you very much.” The three year old is now 5 ( 2-1-2 ) this season, and watch for many more brilliant closing efforts in her future.
Rounding out the trifecta would be First Impression who definitely thought she was in line for the victory today as jockey Sanchez placed her strategically at the right point in the race. Her last three events have all been a 97 speed figure as far as HRP is concerned, showing she isn’t going away anytime soon. Just needs to find her level to take home the top prize.
Rounding out this event in order of finish were pacesetter Queen Commander taking home the minor share of purse money, with Dream Whisperer hanging around for fifth place. Sixth place went to Sweet Catomine who tried to find room between runners, but that happened too late for her. Seventh was Rampage Stables Sharp Suit ( 32-1 ) who also tried a wide rally off the turn and was able to close up to within two lengths just missing out on sixth. The remainder of runners on back were Team 7 Illusions Firekeepers ( 10-1 ), D J C Racing Stables entries of Maggie McGee ( 15-1 ) and Summertime ( 47-1 ) , Gdp Inc’s Realize ( 4-1 ) who just nipped out final runner Lead You To Water ( Fractious ) another four to one entry on the tote come race time.
Duffer
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
