One-two finish in Bernard Baruch extends Maker's hot hand in stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – To say trainer Mike Maker has been on a roll the past two weeks would be an understatement.

Maker won his sixth turf stakes and fourth graded stakes during that period here Sunday when Somelikeithotbrown led a one-two finish for the barn with runner-up Mr Dumas in the Grade 2 Bernard Baruch here.

:: Play Saratoga with DRF! Visit our Saratoga shop for DRF PPs, Picks and Clocker Reports:

The roll began July 12 at Keeneland with wins by Zulu Alpha in the Grade 2 Elkhorn and Field Pass in the Grade 3 Transylvania, and includes a victory by Aquaphobia in the Grade 1 United Nations at Monmouth Park, Cross Border last week in the Lubash here, and the filly Ask Bailey in the Northbound Pride at Canterbury. Maker also has won races at Gulfstream Park and Indiana Downs during that period, and is fifth in the trainer standings through the opening two weeks of this session with five wins.

“It’s obviously a good streak we’ve been on, probably the best I’ve had as far as graded stakes go in my career, although the virus is partly responsible for that because it kind of lumped all these races together at one time,” Maker said Monday.

There also is some racing luck involved, like the way Somelikeithotbrown was able to establish an easy lead in the Bernard Baruch. Maker said he expected the Todd Pletcher-trained Halladay to put more pressure on Somelikeithotbrown.

The Bernard Baruch wasn’t without some anxious moments for Maker, when Somelikeithotbrown unseated jockey Tyler Gaffalione pulling up and returned to the winner’s circle riderless.

“He stumbled going onto the dirt course, but he’s fine, everything is good this morning,” Maker said Monday.

:: DRF's Saratoga headquarters – Stakes schedule, previews, recaps, past performances, and more

Maker also was pleased with the effort of Mr Dumas, who rallied to finish second, a length behind the winner, while earning a career-best 99 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He didn’t surprise me how well he ran,” Maker said. “What surprised me is the fact he went off at 8-1 in that race considering he’s been in such good form of late.”

Maker said he’s uncertain what might be next for Somelikeithotbrown, although he mentioned the Grade 1 Fourstardave as a possible option on Aug. 22.

Maker also will try to extend his hot streak in graded stakes this Saturday when he sends out Marzo and possibly Cross Border in the Grade 2 Bowling Green at 1 3/8 miles here.

“Marzo will run for sure,” Maker said. “I’m still talking it over with the owners regarding Cross Border. It might be coming back a bit too soon for him.”

Marzo, a Grade 3 winner last season, is winless in two starts this year and idle since a seventh-place effort in the Grade 2 Muniz Memorial at Fair Grounds four months earlier.

“He’s had time off since the race in New Orleans, but he’s looking better than ever,” Maker said. “I’ve never seen him carry more flesh. I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s coming into this race, and the distance is perfect for him.”