Film Maker resumes campaign
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - After two failed attempts to return to the races, Film Maker makes her first start since early July in the Grade 3, $100,000 Glens Falls at Saratoga on Sunday.
The Glens Falls drew 17 horses and was split into two divisions. In addition to saddling Film Maker in the tougher second division, race 10, trainer Graham Motion will also saddle the German-bred Humaita and Alternate in the first division, race 7.
, winner of the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Keeneland last October, has made only three starts this year. Since winning the Grade 3 All Along Breeders' Cup at Colonial Downs July 10, Film Maker has been prepared for two starts, only to encounter complications both times.
Film Maker had been training for the Grade 1 Beverly D. at Arlington on Aug. 14, but developed colic two weeks before the race, forcing her to miss a workout. She was entered in the Ballston Spa Breeders' Cup Handicap here last Monday, but was scratched because Motion said the turf was too soft.
Motion has intentionally spaced out Film Maker's 4-year-old campaign in the hopes of having a fresh horse for the fall.
"This race is going to be crucial," Motion said. "The rest of the fall hinges on this weekend."
Film Maker had a strong summer at Saratoga last year that led to her nose victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. She won the Grade 3 Lake George and then ran third in the Grade 2 Lake Placid. Motion said he is hoping a similar campaign, light in the spring and early summer and then picking up in the fall, pays dividends again this year.
"The Queen Elizabeth was a tremendously exciting race," he said. "She gave me my first Grade 1 win. That was a very special race for me, which makes her a very special filly for me."
Ramon Dominguez picks up the mount Sunday.
The competitive second division also includes graded-stakes winners Spice Island and Aud, and last year's runner-up, Primetimevalentine.
, winner of the Grade 3 Pucker Up last year, is also winless in five starts this year.