Basin returns to sprint ranks for Amsterdam
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – After several unsuccessful attempts to go two turns, Basin will cut back to six furlongs in Saturday’s Grade 2, $150,000 Amsterdam Stakes for 3-year-olds. It will be his first start since he was transferred from Steve Asmussen to Todd Pletcher by Jackpot Farm.
Last summer, Basin went 2 for 2 at Saratoga, winning a six-furlong maiden race and the Grade 1 Hopeful at seven furlongs. In May, he finished second in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, beaten six lengths by Charlatan. He was later awarded first-place prize money for that race after Charlatan was disqualified due to the finding of a prohibited substance in a post-race test.
Pletcher said he and the owners thought the Amsterdam “was the best option of what’s here.”
“The horse has trained really well,” Pletcher said. “He’s probably a horse that’s effective at multiple distances. Just felt like talking to the ownership group. They’d like to shorten him up and see how he does.”
A forecast that calls for an 80 percent chance of rain shouldn’t hamper Basin, who won the Grade 1 Hopeful here over a sloppy track.
Basin will be ridden by Jose Ortiz from the rail.
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Outside of Basin, in post order, are Yaupon, Long Weekend, Premier Star, Wondrwherecraigis, and Liam’s Pride.
Tap It to Win was not entered as he is now being pointed to the Pat Day Mile on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs.