Mark My Way pulls away to win Cab Calloway

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Mark My Way made it two consecutive victories in the New York Stallion Stakes series, drawing away in the stretch under Cornelio Velasquez to a 2 3/4-length victory in the $100,000 Cab Calloway at Saratoga.

Free Mugatu rallied from last to get second by a nose over Prophet’s Cat. The one-two finish by Mark My Way and Free Mugatu mirrored that of the Spectacular Bid Stakes last month at Belmont Park.

The Cab Calloway was contested at a mile, one furlong longer than the Spectacular Bid.

“Actually, the distance helped him,” said Linda Rice, who trains Mark My Way for Chester and Mary Broman. “I think he’s better at the mile than seven-eighths. I think he’d run a mile and an eighth very well. I’m probably going to have to stretch him out to open company against straight 3-year-olds, but I think he will improve with added distance.”

The Grade 3, $300,000 Saranac at 1 1/8 miles here on closing day (Sept. 1) is a possible next start for Mark My Way, who covered the mile in 1:37.57 over firm turf and returned $5.20 to win.

After going 0 for 9 to start the meet, Mark My Way was Rice’s fifth win with her last eight starters at Saratoga.