Collaborate to face pivotal test in Curlin Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said the Grade 3 Curlin on July 30 at Saratoga would likely be next for his 3-year-old prospect Collaborate.

The lightly raced Collaborate bounced back from a disappointing effort as the overwhelming favorite in the Roar Stakes earlier this spring to easily defeat allowance opposition going a mile here Sunday, earning an 86 Beyer Speed Figure. The Curlin would mark the second start at nine furlongs for Collaborate, who finished a tiring fifth as the second betting choice in the Grade 1 Florida Derby in March.

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“We did a throat procedure on him after the [Roar]," Joseph said. “The 86 Beyer is decent, not overwhelming, but I liked how he sat and waited and quickened. I truly believe the talent is there, and it looks like we may have finally got everything in order. The Curlin will reveal the truth.”

Joseph also trains the multiple graded stakes-placed Sound Machine, who was tendered an invitation to the July 3 Princess Rooney this past week and is expected to run.

Sound Machine will be among the leading local candidates for the Princess Rooney coming off a 2 1/2-length victory in the restricted Musical Romance Stakes. That race was decided at 6 1/2 furlongs, and Joseph does have some reservations regarding Sound Machine’s ability to handle the seven furlongs of the Princess Rooney, because she is winless in three starts at that distance.