Fore Left takes them all the way in Tremont

ELMONT, N.Y. – Owner Paul Reddam said he started thinking about the Tremont Stakes for Fore Left as soon as he crossed the wire in winning his debut May 19 at Santa Anita.

Reddam’s desire to wheel the horse back on short rest paid huge dividends Friday at Belmont Park as Fore Left broke alertly under Mario Gutierrez and was never headed as he galloped to a 4 1/2-length victory in the $150,000 Tremont for 2-year-olds.

Theitalianamerican, a maiden, rallied from last under Joel Rosario to finish second by 3 1/4 lengths over Rookie Salsa, the Kentucky Juvenile winner. Federale finished fourth, followed by Memorable, Dixie Mo, and Now Is. Maven scratched to run in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot later this month.

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Reddam said he thought Fore Left could handle the quick turnaround and cross-country ship because “he didn’t work that hard in his first start.”

Fore Left is trained by Doug O’Neill.

Friday, Fore Left didn’t have to work that hard to make the lead, spurting to a one-length advantage after running an opening quarter in 22.58 seconds. He opened the lead to two lengths then 5 1/2 at the eighth pole before being taken in hand by Gutierrez while still winning by 4 1/2 lengths.

Fore Left, a son of Twirling Candy, covered the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.44 and returned $5.30 as the 8-5 favorite.

Reddam said Fore Left would return to O’Neill in Southern California and he will decide whether to pursue the graded juvenile stakes at Del Mar or perhaps return to the East Coast for a race or two at Saratoga.

“It depends on how the rest of the stable is doing, but we would love to come back to Saratoga,” Reddam said.

Though Theitalianamerican has now finished second in both of his starts, trainer Gary Contessa said he looks forward to running the New York-bred son of Girolamo at longer distances.

“Wait until he stretches out against New York-breds, holy mackerel,” Contessa said.