Cox pointing debut winners to pair of juvenile Grade 1s
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. − Trainer Brad Cox had to alter course in his bid to return to Kentucky from New Jersey on Sunday. Fortunately for him, his horses, at least in New York, are experiencing better trips.
Cox had a flight canceled from Newark, N.J., so he was driving to Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon to catch a plane back to Kentucky following his day at Monmouth Park on Saturday. Thus, he had a little time to reflect on a particularly strong Saturday in Saratoga where he won three races, including a pair for 2-year-old with first-time starters who have big pedigrees.
The Good Life, a son of Life Is Good, kicked off Saturday’s card with a front-running, 3 1/2-length victory over the highly touted first-timer Powerline. The Good Life ran six furlongs in 1:11.14 over a fast track and earned an 80 Beyer Speed Figure.
A few hours later, Effusive, a daughter of Into Mischief out of the champion mare Monomoy Girl overcame a bump in upper stretch to win her debut by 1 1/4 lengths. She ran six furlongs in 1:11.69 over a main track turned sloppy by rain following the opener and earned a 73 Beyer Speed Figure.
Of The Good Life, Cox said, “He broke okay, but once he was asked he quickly got involved and was able to control the race and finished up well. He showed talent in the morning and we expected him to run big and it’s always nice to see them show up in the afternoon when they show talent and ability in the morning.”
Cox said The Good Life will be pointed to the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful on Sept. 6.
Breaking from the one-hole, Effusive had a different kind of trip. She raced in fifth position early and made an inside move around the turn. Straightening in the lane she was bumped by Key Colony Beach, but ultimately went on to win.
“Good schooling yesterday – got bumped around a little bit at the top of the lane, finished up well, galloped out well,” Cox said.
“Obviously, big pedigree and a lot like her mother I do think she’ll go long; excited about the rest of the year and her career moving forward.”
Monomoy Girl, whom Cox also trained, won 14 of 17 starts, was a seven-time Grade 1 winner and a two-time champion. Cox said he doesn’t feel any pressure training a progeny of Monomoy Girl.
“We know good horses can come from anywhere, pedigree means something, but horses make their pedigrees too,” Cox said. “She obviously has a huge pedigree out of a champion by a champion sire, she’s got all that working for her. Nice when one has the talent. It goes back to them showing it in the afternoon and she was able to do it.”
Cox said Effusive would be pointed to the Grade 1 Spinaway on Sept. 5.
Cox’s third win on Saturday was with Tab At Zanzibar, a 3-year-old gelding who won a first-level allowance sprint race by a half-length, earning an 87 Beyer. Plans for his next start are pending.
Cox ended the third week of the Saratoga meet with a meet-leading seven wins from 23 starters. It looks like there are more to come.
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