Rated by Merit now with Brown, being pointed to fall return
?q=100)
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Rated by Merit, who went 4 for 4 and swept the Florida Stallion Series as a 2-year-old when in the barn of Michael Yates, is now with trainer Chad Brown.
Rated by Merit’s four victories came at Gulfstream Park by a combined 25 3/4 lengths, including a 3 3/4-length win in the Affirmed that earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure . He was sidelined in January due to mild bone bruising.
Since being transferred to Brown by owner Vinnie Viola, Rated by Merit has had four works – all in the month of August – and is being pointinged to a fall return.
“He’s training good,” Brown said. “He came in in good shape.”
Opportunities for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct this fall include the $125,000 Discovery Stakes on Oct. 4 and/or the listed $200,000 Dwyer Stakes on Nov. 8. Both races are a one-turn mile.