Saez's audible pays off for Promises Fulfilled

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Jockey Luis Saez didn’t quite follow the instructions trainer Dale Romans gave prior to sending him out aboard Promises Fulfilled in Saturday’s $200,000 Amsterdam at Saratoga. But the audible Saez called in the run down the backstretch worked out pretty darn well.

Promises Fulfilled drew away to a convincing 3 1/4-length victory over even-money favorite Engage in the Grade 3 race for 3-year-olds.

Romans said he told Saez “to go, to give this horse a chance” right from the start. Instead, Saez opted to ease Promises Fulfilled back off the lively pace set by Strike Power, who posted early splits of 21.28 and 43.92 for the opening half-mile over a “good” racetrack. Promises Fulfilled overtook the leader before completing five furlongs, then pulled away readily from Engage when sharply roused by Saez at the top of the stretch.

Engage raced within easy striking distance from the outset, angled wide to commence his bid into the stretch but came up empty down the lane, losing ground steadily to the winner in the final furlong. He was easily second-best, finishing 9 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Barry Lee. Strike Power, Soutache, and Old Time Revival rounded out the order of finish.

Promises Fulfilled, a son of Shackleford, is owned by Robert Baron. He completed 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.18 and paid $5.00.

“I told Luis to go, and he looked at me a little funny,” Romans said. “And he rode a beautiful race. That was a spectacular performance out of the horse. He’s a special horse, he’s fast but he keeps on going. He’s done so well since Belmont day, I just didn’t see him losing today, and I’m usually a pessimist. He’s just changed, he’s turned the corner, like he’s a man now, and I think we’re going to see bigger and better things from him.”

Romans was also delighted to win the race for his close friend Bob Baron.

“It’s great for Mr. Homeboy, Bob Baron, who is from right here close to Saratoga,” Romans said. “For a guy raised around here to win a stakes, to even win a race at Saratoga, people don’t realize how huge that is.”

Romans said everything being equal, he’ll bring Promises Fulfilled back in the Grade 1 Allen Jerkens here on Aug. 25.