Grand Arch overcomes loss of front shoes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Grand Arch won Saturday’s Grade 2 Fourstardave Handicap here despite losing both of his front shoes, trainer Brian Lynch said Sunday.

“Barefoot or not, he got it done,” Lynch said.

Lynch said he would consider the Woodbine Mile on Sept. 13 for Grand Arch’s next start.

Meanwhile, trainer Shug McGaughey said Fourstardave runner-up Ironicus likely will point to the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland on Oct. 4.

Ironicus was compromised by a slow half-mile of 48.30 seconds in the Fourstardave, said McGaughey.

“I never dreamed they’d go that slow going a mile,” McGaughey said.