River Dog jumps into deep water in Amsterdam Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Jeremiah Englehart is sending River Dog against the wolves of the 3-year-old male sprint division in Sunday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga.

River Dog, a New York-bred son of Twirling Candy who beat restricted company in his two starts, will meet multiple Grade 1 winner Jackie’s Warrior and Grade 1 Woody Stephens winner Drain the Clock in the 6 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds.

The Amsterdam drew a field of six, including Crowded Trade, Flash of Mischief, and Mister Luigi.

River Dog was quite impressive winning his career debut by seven lengths on May 2 at Belmont Park, running six furlongs in 1:09.05 and earning a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. He came back four weeks later and won the Mike Lee for statebreds by 1 3/4 lengths.

“He didn’t run one of his better races in his second start because he might have ran so well in his first start, he might have bounced a bit in that second start,” Englehart said. “He was still able to get the job done.”

Englehart said that in talking with owner/breeder Robert Hahn, the decision was made to give River Dog some time and point to the Amsterdam. They knew it would come up a salty spot.

“We got to test him and see how he handles it,” Englehart said.

On Saturday, Englehart also is testing Three Technique against the likes of Whitmore and Mischevious Alex in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at six furlongs. Three Technique, owned by Hall of Fame football coach Bill Parcells, is coming out of a third behind Mind Control and Firenze Fire in the John Nerud Stakes and is getting blinkers on for the first time.

“My assistant Melanie Giddings mentioned it would be a good idea to put a set of blinkers on him,” Englehart said. “I did breeze him with blinkers twice and I was very happy with his last two works.”