Forever Unbridled passes on Shuvee

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Only three horses were entered in Sunday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Shuvee Handicap at Saratoga. One mare conspicuous by her absence was Forever Unbridled, the multiple Grade 1-winning mare who is sitting this one out to await the Grade 1 Personal Ensign here on Aug. 26.

Forever Unbridled has run just once this year, winning the Fleur de Lis Handicap on June 17 at Churchill Downs. Trainer Dallas Stewart said Forever Unbridled is targeting the Beldame in the fall at Belmont and then the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar on Nov. 3. Running Forever Unbridled in the Shuvee would not benefit her, he said.

“If it was the Personal Ensign, she’d be ready to roll,” Stewart said Friday at Saratoga. “But it’s not. It’s a $200,000 Grade 3. It’s not what we’re trying to accomplish with her. I just don’t think it’s necessary to get to where we’re going.”

Forever Unbridled worked a half-mile in 49.20 seconds Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. Stewart said Forever Unbridled will have her next work at Churchill before shipping to Saratoga.