Mo Cash will need versatility in speed-filled Amsterdam

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The last time Ronald Spatz remembers being in Saratoga was 1977 when he was the groom for the 3-year-old filly Herecomesthebride, who finished fourth in the Grade 1 Test.

Forty years later, Spatz is hoping for a better result Saturday when he sends out his first horse at Saratoga as a trainer, Mo Cash, in the Grade 2, $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes for 3-year-old sprinters.

The Amsterdam, at 6 1/2 furlongs, drew a field of six, none of whom have won a graded stakes. In fact, Mo Cash is the lone stakes winner in the field, having taken the Sophomore Stakes, a race restricted to Florida-breds, at Tampa Bay Downs in April.

Spatz said it was his owner who nominated the horse to the race. Spatz said he knew his horse fit in the Amsterdam when he started getting phone calls from several New York-based jockey agents. He was able to get Jose Ortiz, New York’s leading rider.

Mo Cash, a gelding by Adios Charlie, has lost his last two starts, including a neck defeat to Three Rules in the Grade 3 Carry Back on July 1 at Gulfstream.

“I thought he ran a brilliant race last time,” Spatz said. ”I’m not sure he saw that horse, he was pretty far on the outside.”

Mo Cash drew post 3 for the Amsterdam. His versatile running style may give him an edge in a field seemingly loaded with speed.

Singing Bullet drew the rail, while Coal Front drew post 2. Outside of Mo Cash, in order, are Aquamarine, Excitations, and Toga Challenger.