Decorated Soldier points to Autumn Stakes next

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Decorated Soldier recorded his second consecutive stakes victory in the Presque Isle Mile Stakes on Sept. 16, and will make his next start in the Grade 2, $175,000 Autumn Stakes on Nov. 3 over 1 1/16 miles on Woodbine’s Tapeta, trainer Norm McKnight said.

McKnight added that following the Autumn, Decorated Soldier would be entered in the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. McKnight claimed Decorated Soldier for owner Racer’s Edge and Maxis Stable for $20,000 at Oaklawn Park in April. He’s won four of his five starts for his current connections, including the Presque Isle Mile and the Grade 3 Seagram Cup Stakes.

“From an investment standpoint for the client, I don’t see how you can maximize the horse’s value any more than where he’s at,” McKnight said. “He’s done very well for the $20,000 investment. He’s a real nice horse, but horses don’t want to seem to last forever. He’s 5 years old, so he’s relatively young. I just think from a marketing point of view that it’s the right time, and if we don’t get the right price, he won’t be sold.”

Decorated Soldier was back on the work tab here Saturday morning in preparation for the Autumn, breezing four furlongs in 47.60 seconds on the main track. McKnight said Decorated Soldier has bounced out of his start in the Presque Isle Mile in good order and breezed well.

“He seems to be high on life right now,” McKnight said.