Run Curtis Run races away to victory in Rick Violette Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - With an inside draw on a track that already seemed to be favoring speed, there was little doubt what to expect from Run Curtis Run when the gate opened for Wednesday’s $100,000 Rick Violette Stakes at Saratoga.

Sure enough, the speedy youngster did not disappoint, sprinting right to the lead then widening his advantage through the stretch to register a 3 ¾-length victory over Ready A. P., the lone filly in the field of just four New York-bred juveniles.

The race is named in honor of the late longtime president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

In his debut 19 days earlier, Run Curtis Run overcame a bit of a slow start to register a neck victory as the even-money favorite over a sloppy strip at Belmont Park. Sharper away from the gate the second time around, Run Curtis Run rated kindly nearest the rail under Jose Ortiz, readily dispatched of Ready A. P. once settling into the stretch, and was never seriously threatened.

Ready A. P., also returning on relatively short rest, prompted the pace while a bit wide but could not keep pace with the winner when put to urging on the final bend. She held on to save second by a neck over the 6-5 favorite Coinage. Surprise Boss trailed throughout, finishing fourth and last as the lone maiden in the lineup.

Run Curtis Run, a son of Summer Front, is trained by Mike Maker for Michael Dubb and Michael Caruso. He completed six furlongs in 1:12.48 over the fast track and paid $8.

“Inside post, we had to be involved,” said Maker. “I left it up to Jose and it worked out. When he made the lead by himself down the backside, I was feeling pretty comfortable.”

Maker said that with Run Curtis Run having made two starts within less than three weeks, he’d likely give him a bit of a break.