Albertrani likes Bowling Green distance for Sadler's Joy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – It took Sadler’s Joy several starts to figure things out. It was last August, here at Saratoga, when he won a maiden race by two lengths. It started a period where he won four races from five starts, including the Grade 2 Pan American at Gulfstream Park.

Coming off third-place finishes in his last two starts, Sadler’s Joy hopes a return to Saratoga marks a return to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s Grade 3, $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on turf.

Sadler’s Joy caught a very soft turf course when third in the Grade 1 Man o’ War at Belmont in May and then was beaten only 1 1/2 lengths by Ascend in the Grade 1 Manhattan at 1 1/4 miles. Trainer Tom Albertrani believes Sadler’s Joy is better at 1 3/8 miles to 1 1/2 miles.

Sadler’s Joy will break from post 4 in the seven-horse field.

Ascend drew post 7. Bigger Picture, the Grade 1 United Nations winner, drew the rail. Frank Conversation, Closing Bell, Hunter O’Riley, and Hello Don Julio complete the field.