Assateague out, Filimbi in Ballston Spa

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Assateague, the winner of the Dr. James Penny Memorial at Parx last out, will miss Saturday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Ballston Spa Stakes due to a bout of colic, trainer Michael Matz said.

Matz said Assateague’s large colon got displaced, and she needed to undergo surgery to repair it.

“She’s back at the barn now, but she’s not going to be able to run Saturday,” Matz said.

Trainer Bill Mott said that Filimbi, the winner of the De La Rose Stakes on Aug. 2, will wheel back in three weeks and run in the Ballston Spa at 1 1/16 miles.

“It wasn’t my original plan, but I had no original plan,” Mott said. “It’s coming back a little quick, but if I run in here, it gives me more time, if she’s good enough, for the Keeneland race.”

Mott was referring to the First Lady Stakes at Keeneland on Oct. 4.

Others expected to run in the Ballston Spa include Abaco, Centre Court, Night Song, and Strathnaver.