Famished switching to turf for Pilgrim Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Though Famished was a smart-looking winner on dirt at Saratoga, he will be switched to the turf for Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont Park.

Famished is a son of Uncle Mo out of the Survivalist mare Ravenist. Progeny of Uncle Mo who have been successful on turf include Mo Town, Moon Colony, and Epical.

“The Uncle Mos have run pretty well on the turf. I think the turf division is a little softer than the dirt division, so if you’re entertaining the Breeders’ Cup that might be the way to go,” trainer John Kimmel said.

Kimmel also noted that owner Tobey Morton would not be in town the first weekend of October for a race like the Grade 1 Champagne on dirt.

“Not that that would be a determining factor,” Kimmel said.

Famished has worked twice on the turf, in company with Crystalle, the P.G. Johnson winner whom Kimmel plans on running in Sunday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Miss Grillo Stakes. On Sept. 15, the pair went a sharp half-mile in 48.00 seconds. Sunday, they went together in a half-mile timed by in 50.46 seconds.

“He’s a good mover on anything,” Kimmel said.