Saratoga: Her Smile looking for similar trip in Test

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Mike Puype calls Saturday’s Grade 1 Test a “r é sum é race” and one he and the connections of likely favorite Turbulent Descent “have wanted all along.” To get it, however, Turbulent Descent will have to beat eight other talented 3-year-old fillies, including Her Smile, who is coming off the best performance of her career to win the Grade 1 Prioress five weeks earlier.

Her Smile, who was purchased privately by Bobby Flay and turned over to trainer Todd Pletcher this spring, rallied from last to score a half-length victory over Pomeroys Pistol in the six-furlong Prioress. She’ll have to negotiate an extra furlong in the Test.

“She’s coming off her best race and training very well for this one,” Pletcher said. “We got the trip we wanted in the Prioress, off the pace and saving ground. She had to wait briefly for a seam to open up, but otherwise it was perfect. Hopefully, we’ll get the same kind of trip on Saturday, and the faster the pace, the better for her.”

Her Smile will break from post 8 in the Test under Javier Castellano, while Turbulent Descent begins her journey from post 6 with David Flores aboard.

The field in post position order is Ava K. (Julien Leparoux), American Lady (Martin Garcia), Roman Treasure (Ramon Dominguez), Coax Liberty (Eddie Castro), Savvy Supreme (Jose Lezcano), Turbulent Descent, Pomeroys Pistol (John Velazquez), Her Smile, and Salty Strike (Manny Cruz).