Deterministic impresses in debut

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The 2-year-old colt Deterministic made an eye-catching debut Saturday, overcoming a slow start and a wide trip to win a seven-furlong dirt maiden race by a half-length over Hurricane Nelson.

Deterministic is a 2-year-old son of Liam’s Map whose deep female family pedigree suggests he would be a turf horse. His family includes graded stakes-winning mares Aquilegia and Amelia.

“He trained well on dirt for us, so I’m delighted that he ran as well as he did yesterday,” trainer Christophe Clement said.

Clement said Deterministic worked behind horses in the morning so when he broke slow and took ample dirt in his face, Clement wasn’t concerned.

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“We knew he wasn’t going to be green in the race; he wasn’t,” Clement said.

Clement added that Deterministic was ready to run two weeks earlier, but didn’t due to a cough.

Deterministic is owned in part by Vinnie and Teresa Viola’s St. Elias Stable. Clement said it is his first horse for them in about 15 years. Clement said he has no immediate plans for Deterministic, who earned an 81 Beyer Speed Figure for the performance.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying this at the moment, no need to rush to make any plan,” he said.

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