It’s Our Time gives Amoss a lifetime memory
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - After graduating from Louisiana State University in summer 1983, Tom Amoss came to Saratoga to spend a week. While he was here, he saw Devil’s Bag win a maiden race by 7 1/2 lengths, the first of five wins for that colt on his way to being crowned 2-year-old champion.
“It never left me, it’s a race I still remember,” said Amoss, who began training horses on his own in 1987. “I’m hopeful that this horse goes on to do something really special, because I think it’ll be a maiden race that people remember, just like I remember [Devil's Bag's] race.”
“This horse” is It’s Our Time, a 2-year-old son of Not This Time, and on Saturday he gave a most memorable performance, winning his debut by 17 3/4 lengths over the heavily touted Hero Declared, who held on for second. It’s Our Time covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.63 and earned a 94 Beyer Speed Figure.
“I can’t tell you how many people asked me afterwards, did you know that was coming?” Amoss said. “For a trainer, you’re preparing your horse and you know what he’s showing you in the mornings, but you’re not asking for the same things you’re going to be asking in a race. You’re not able to simulate a race, but he was very good in the paddock, very professional, he left the gate well, the favorite got in front of him and we were kind of in chase mode and I was concerned and then we went by him at the head of the lane, it was really beautiful to watch.”
It’s Our Time is among the first group of horses owned by Elza and Alex Mitchum, a father and son who race under Double Down Horse Racing. The Mitchums purchased five yearlings last fall and gave them to Amoss.
Amoss said It’s Our Time would soon head back to Churchill Downs and train there for his next spot on his way to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Amoss said races like the Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne, a one-turn mile at Aqueduct, and the Grade 1, $650,000 Breeders’ Futurity, a two-turn, 1 1/16-mile race, would be considered. Both races are scheduled for Oct. 4 and both offer the winner a fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
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