Saratoga: Holiday Soiree makes her mark with Shine Again victory

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Holiday Soiree returned quick dividends to her new connections when she rallied from off the pace to an impressive 3 3/4-length victory over Delightful Quality in Monday’s $100,000 Shine Again Stakes at Saratoga.

Holiday Soiree was purchased by her present owner, Glencrest Farm LLC, out of the inaugural Fasig-Tipton summer horses of racing age sale at Keeneland shortly after finishing fourth in Calder’s Grade 1 Princess Rooney Handicap on July 6. She was turned over to trainer Todd Pletcher and had one work over the track before making her local debut in the six-furlong Shine Again.

Holiday Soiree, ridden by John Velazquez, raced within easy striking distance of the early pace set by Five Star Momma and pressed by Well Kept, overtook the leaders in early stretch, then steadily increased her advantage to the wire. Delightful Quality outfinished the others to finish second, a half-length in front of the tiring Five Star Momma. Apropos broke slowly, lacked a closing run, and finished last as the 7-5 favorite in the scratch-reduced field of five fillies and mares.

Holiday Soiree paid $6.30 after completing the distance in 1:08.80 over a fast track.

“We got the pace setup we figured. She sat a good trip and she really ran super,” said Pletcher. “She’s trained really well since we had her, and we were just happy to find a nice spot for her.”