Firenze Fire outduels Flagstaff to take the True North
ELMONT, N.Y. - What does a trainer with a horse who cannot stand up in the mud do as a monstrous storm moves perilously closer as post time approaches? If you’re Kelly Breen and the horse is the even-money Firenze Fire in the Grade 2 True North, there’s only one thing you can do.
“I just kept saying please put them in the gate,” Breen said several minutes after Firenze Fire survived an early speed duel with Flagstaff to register a popular 1 1/2-length victory over that rival in defense of his title in Friday’s $300,000 True North at Belmont Park.
Breen had been closely monitoring the weather and track conditions for several days prior to the True North. The track was officially listed as muddy when Friday’s card began before being upgraded to “good” about an hour before the race. Firenze Fire’s only two bad efforts dating back well over a year came over sloppy tracks last season in the Carter Handicap and Forego, and Breen had said that in all likelihood he would scratch Firenze Fire if similarly wet conditions prevailed again for the True North.
Breen also had a second issue to deal with well before post time - deciding who to ride on Firenze Fire after learning in the morning his listed rider, Irad Ortiz Jr., would be sidelined for two weeks due to injuries suffered in a spill here the previous afternoon. In the end, Breen and his owner, Ron Lombardi, decided to keep things in the family, naming Irad’s brother Jose as his replacement.
Breaking alertly from the rail, Firenze Fire showed speed from the outset only to wind up in an early duel with California invader Flagstaff, who came into the True North off a victory in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on May 1. The pair battled through a reasonable 22.71-second opening quarter and 45.39 half, with the favorite gradually edging clear approaching mid-stretch before maintaining a safe advantage to the end.
Flagstaff held a slight edge racing lapped on the winner during the early stages, could not match strides after six furlongs, but stayed on willingly, finishing 2 1/4 lengths clear of American Power, who raced within easy striking distance of the leaders but lacked a closing response. American Power was followed by a slow-starting Wicked Trick, Phat Man, Looking At Bikinis, and Big Engine.
The victory was the second in as many starts this year for Firenze Fire, a 6-year-old son of Poseidon’s Warrior, whose career earnings increased to nearly $2.5 million. Final time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:15.52. He paid $4.10.
“We caught almost a fast track,” said Breen. “I don’t want to say there wasn’t any moisture in it, but luckily we beat the rain. The way he’s been training this year, I think he’s more even-keeled, I’m getting to know him more than last year. And he’s getting to know me. It’s a pretty good combo right now.”
Breen said he wasn’t overly concerned watching Firenze Fire get into an early pace battle with Flagstaff.
“It was a 22 and three opening quarter, which is within his wheelhouse, so I thought we should be fine,” Breen noted.
Breen spoke about the decision to replace Irad Ortiz Jr., who won this race a year ago aboard Firenze Fire, with his brother.
“I had multiple offers from different jock’s agents,” said Breen. “I did not know until this morning what we were going to do. Or even if Irad was going to ride. I talked to Ron about 7:30 when it was confirmed Irad wasn’t going to ride and said I’m thinking of keeping it all in the family.”
Jose Ortiz said his brother gave him some insight into Firenze Fire prior to the race.
“He said he’s a very nice horse, that he was going to break good,” Jose Ortiz said. “He said he thought he was a better horse on the outside. But he got the rail, he jumped out of there good and I didn’t want to take anything away from him. I rode him like he was the best horse. And he was. This one was for him [Irad].”