Carter win opens up possibilities for Salutos Amigos

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Salutos Amigos came out of his narrow victory over Calculator in Saturday’s Grade 1 Carter Handicap a little tired but otherwise okay, trainer and part-owner David Jacobson said Sunday.

The seven-furlong Carter was the eighth stakes victory for Salutos Amigos but his first in a Grade 1 from eight tries. The 6-year-old gelding is now 12 for 32 with earnings of more than $1.5 million.

Jacobson said he and co-owner Mike Moreno are considering sending Salutos Amigos to Churchill Downs for the Grade 2, $500,000 Churchill Downs Stakes on the May 7 Kentucky Derby card. Jacobson also mentioned the possibility of pointing him to the Grade 1, $1.25 million Metropolitan Handicap at a mile June 11.

“I’ve always said I really like him better going three-quarters, but maybe later in his career he might become a one-turn miler,” Jacobson said.

Salutos Amigos, who ran seven furlongs in 1:23.15, was assigned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure, his 13th triple-digit Beyer.