Glacius leads all the way in Saratoga Derby
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Hugh Palmer’s decision to re-route Glacius from a potential start in France to Saturday’s $750,000 Saratoga Derby paid big dividends when the multiple Group 3-placed 3-year-old led from start to finish en route to a 1 1/4-length victory over West End Kid.
Glacius became a Grade 1 winner in his U.S. debut.
“When I realized the prize money had been cut so badly for the 400,000 Euro race we were pointing for in France to just 100,000 Euros, we decided to bring him here,” said Palmer, who registered his first North American victory in the Saratoga Derby. “And with all great respect to the horse we beat today, he probably would have had to run at a higher level to win a 100,000 Euro race over there. He won a big pot today.”
And once the entries were drawn for the 1 3/16-mile Saratoga Derby, Palmer was quick to realize his horse appeared to hold a definite pace advantage over a field that was reduced to just eight starters at post time.
“We looked at the race and didn’t think there was much pace, and the one thing we knew he’d really do today is that he’d stay,” Palmer said. “And I knew going in when we booked Luis we not only had one of the best riders in North America, but certainly one of the best front-running riders. He’s very hard to pass.”
Glacius was urged forward by Saez after the start to strike the lead passing the wire the first time around. Placed under a snug hold shortly thereafter, Glacius set a reasonable pace, posting splits of 23.02, 47.29 and 1:11.57 for the opening six panels. He settled into the stretch with a comfortable advantage, then held sway under strong handling to the end.
West End Kid, a very slight second choice behind the tepid 2-1 favorite Remember Mamba, came into the race off a frustrating second-place finish, beaten a nose by Title Role, in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby here five weeks ago. He was kept within easy striking distance of the leader from the outset by jockey Flavien Prat, took dead aim on Glacius upon entering the stretch, but lacked the necessary late response.
It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Title Role, who turned in an even effort to finish third. Remember Mamba, a close third in the Belmont Derby, raced near the rear of the eight-horse field into the stretch, then rallied mildly to be fourth.
Owned by Araci V I, Glacius returned $21.34 after negotiating the distance over firm footing in 1:53.22.
“He’s been a very frustrating horse, we always thought he’d be a horse for the Epsom Derby at home in England and he just never came,” Palmer said. “He had a winter coat up until the middle of May, he just wasn’t there, and as a trainer all you can do is sit on your hands. This is the only job in the world when something’s wrong you do less, not more. And eventually he came to himself. He ran really well twice in England, and this was a really great opportunity for him. His form gave him every chance and he got a perfect ride.”
Palmer, whose best previous U.S. finish was a close third-place finish by Hawksmoor (beaten a neck) in the 2015 QE II (Grade1), said Glacius would definitely return home after the race, but could return to America later this summer.
“I suspect his next race might be in the states,” Palmer said. “We’ve nominated him to the Nashville Derby (September 5 at Kentucky Downs), which is worth a lot of money. We may well go there.”
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