Oxymore battles back to win Skidmore Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Oxymore returned quick dividends for his new connections after being privately purchased following his impressive debut win, reasserting himself when headed briefly at midstretch to register a popular 1 1/4-length victory over No Nay Hudson in Friday’s $150,000 Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga.
Oxymore drew off to a 6 1/2-length maiden win for trainer Adam Rice on July 1 at Belmont Park. Shortly after that race, he was bought by an ownership group that included Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, Morris Bailey, and William J. Rucker, who turned the promising son of Astern over to trainer Chad Brown.
Although Brown remains convinced that Oxymore appears to have all the makings of a horse who wants more distance, at least a mile or longer, he opted to hold off on that plan for the time being, using the 5 1/2-furlong Skidmore as a “bridge” to longer and more lucrative races down the road.
Jose Ortiz rode Oxymore to victory in his debut and was back aboard for the Skidmore, breaking the 6-5 favorite alertly and hustling him to the front before ceding the early advantage to longshot Jeremy’s Jet. Oxymore readily took control and moved clear midway on the turn, dug in gamely after No Nay Hudson stuck his head in front nearing the furlong marker, and ultimately edged clear under vigorous urging at the end.
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No Nay Hudson, making his turf debut, raced in perfect striking distance from the outset, gained a short advantage through midstretch, but could not match strides with the winner while drifting out slightly in the closing stages. Private Creed rallied belatedly to finish third.
Oxymore completed the distance over a firm course in 1:02.74 and paid $4.50.
“I was a little worried down the stretch, but this horse showed his heart,” Brown said. “Adam Rice did a great job, this ownership group bought the horse and turned him over to me and I was very impressed. This horse was well broke and very prepared, and we just kept moving him forward. Jose knows the horse very well, he knew just was to do there. I was very impressed with this horse’s heart and stamina to keep on going.”
Brown said he couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of stretching Oxymore out for his next start.
“When you look at the horse, he doesn’t look like a sprinter. He looks like a pure route horse to me,” Brown said. “I’m looking at that race at Monmouth for half a million. I’ve been looking at that race since they sent him to me. It’s a mile on turf around two turns, it should be a much different pace at that point. It should be exciting.”
Brown was referring to the $500,000 Nownownow Stakes on Sept. 17.
Brown also was pleased with Appraise, who finished fourth, beaten just 2 1/2 lengths by his stablemate, in the Skidmore.
“He was making a little run in the lane and he galloped out really well,” Brown said. “I think he’ll like going longer, too. I’m thinking about taking him to Canada for the Summer Stakes.
The Grade 1, $500,000 Summer is run Sept. 17 at Woodbine.