Asmussen high on Ever So Clever in Adirondack Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Steve Asmussen was soft-spoken when talking Thursday about his undefeated 2-year-old filly Ever So Clever, but the message he gave out was loud and clear: The future should be bright for the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro, beginning Saturday at Saratoga in the Grade 2 Adirondack.
Ever So Clever figures to be among the favorites in the 6 1/2-furlong Adirondack, which drew a field of only six juvenile fillies, including the stakes winner Silvertoni and Libby’s Tail, who, like Ever So Clever, won her debut in impressive fashion.
Ever So Clever validated Asmussen’s confidence in her right off the bat, overcoming a slow start and some trouble en route to a 7 1/4-length victory going six furlongs at Churchill Downs on July 1.
“The first time we ran her, we waited until at least she went six furlongs to start her,” Asmussen said. “We drew the fence. I told the rider she did not have much speed, the 1 hole was a bad spot for her, but that it won’t matter. She broke slow, ran up on horses, got stopped, and like I said, it didn’t matter. There’s no substitute for talent.”
Asmussen thinks the farther Ever So Clever goes, the better, although he does have one concern going into the Adirondack.
“I think she’s going to stretch out beautifully, she’s trained wonderfully since she’s been up here, and this is a good spot from a timing standpoint and to get her a bridge to two-turn races,” Asmussen said. “My big concern is the weather. Saturday looks like it could be a nasty day, and I’d rather it not be like that for her.”
Silvertoni opened her career with two straight victories, including the five-furlong Kentucky Juvenile at Churchill Downs, but disappointed when finishing well back while trying turf for the first time at Ascot in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes.
“I really thought she’d like the turf, but the ground was soft that day, and she just didn’t handle it,” trainer Wesley Ward said of the race at Ascot. “But she’s had several good works since she’s been back home, and I expect her to bounce back with a big effort Saturday.”
Libby’s Tail rallied from last at the top of the stretch to an impressive 1 1/2-length maiden victory when launching her career at Belmont on July 2, and trainer Rudy Rodriguez said she couldn’t be doing better going into her stakes debut.
Olive Branch, fifth after pressing the early pace in the Grade 3 Schuylerville here on opening day, Dial Me, and Nonna Mela complete the field.
KEY CONTENDERS
Ever So Clever, by Medaglia d’Oro
Last Beyer: 72
◗ She was ridden to victory by Rafael Santana Jr. in her debut but has John Velazquez named to ride in the Adirondack.
Silvertoni, by Tapit
Last Beyer: 72
◗ Speedy filly worked a half-mile in 47.08 seconds with a 22.70 opening quarter in company here last week and should be the one to catch.