Lexitonian points to Forego as likely next start

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Jack Sisterson had a career-defining moment last summer at Saratoga when Vexatious upset the mighty Midnight Bisou in the Personal Ensign to give him the first Grade 1 victory of his training career. Unfortunately for Sisterson, a back issue kept him from being here to celebrate the occasion.

But a year later, Sisterson was able to personally enjoy his second Grade 1 triumph, which unlike the first came in front of a grandstand full of screaming fans, after the Calumet homebred Lexitonian pulled off a 34-1 shocker Saturday in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap.

“Obviously winning the first Grade 1 was special, but so, too, was the second one, because this time I was able to be there for the race. And I’ll tell you it’s a humbling experience,” Sisterson admitted late Sunday morning. “Actually I was a bit star-struck because I’d never been in that position before, talking to the press after winning a race like that, since I wasn’t here the first time. And to be honest, I was at a little loss for words.

Sisterson reported Sunday that Lexitonian, who earned a career-best 102 Beyer Speed Figure for his very game half-length decision over Special Reserve, came out of the race in good order.

“He’s bright-eyed, looks energetic. The key to me is that he’s got a great appetite, he’s at the front of his stall and looks happy,” Sisterson said. “I’m just thankful to all the people who put me in the position to have this experience. I’m just a tiny little piece in a huge operation. And I was honored to represent them all yesterday.”

Almost as surprising as Lexitonian beating the stellar field in the six-furlong Vanderbilt was the way he did it, going right to the lead under a hustling Jose Lezcano, then coming back on after being headed by Special Reserve at midstretch. Even Sisterson was surprised to learn it marked the first time Lexitonian has been on the lead at the first or second call of any race in his career to that point.

“I never give jockeys instructions because I’m not a jockey and figure I can only mess things up by telling them what to do,” Sisterson said with a chuckle. “But breaking from the rail, I told Jose to jump and go forward and be engaged early. I give him and Lexitonian all the credit after that.”

Sisterson, who noted he was also shocked his horse went off at 34-1 despite having been Grade 1-placed twice and competitive on more than one occasion with the reigning Sprint champion Whitmore in their previous meetings, said the Grade 1 Forego would likely be next for Lexitonian.

“The key to moving forward is to keep him on this type of form because we’ve seen he can be hit or miss,” Sisterson said. “The ultimate goal is the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, when we will have the advantage of already knowing he likes Del Mar.”

As for Whitmore, trainer Ron Moquett said he, too, came back “happy and fine” following his third-place finish, at 1 3/4 lengths behind Lexitonian, in the Vanderbilt.

“I don’t know if it was the kickback or what, but he usually likes to bull his way through there, but yesterday he seemed more comfortable being outside,” Moquett said. “But I’m pleased with his effort. He either needs more distance or more pace, but he proved again he always brings his game. Although he hasn’t won this year, he’s run four times with two seconds and two thirds while being up against the best every time.”

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If all goes well, Whitmore will get more distance, an extra furlong to be exact, when coming back, perhaps against Lexitonian, in the seven-furlong Forego on Aug. 28.

The biggest disappointment in the Vanderbilt was Mischevious Alex, who finished a tiring eighth, 11 lengths behind the winner, as the 7-5 favorite. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. reported the following morning his Grade 1 winner had suffered from a fairly severe case of the thumps (spasms of the diaphragm), even producing a video taken back at the barn immediately after the race to verify that claim.

“He was in a good spot but didn’t kick in,” Joseph said. “He thumped pretty bad, and thumps stops you even more than bleeding. It is some kind of electrolyte balance. But he’ll be all right, so we’re going to stick to our plan, to come back in the Forego, and try to figure out a way to control it better next time.”