Separationofpowers outfinishes Mia Mischief in Test Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The disappointment of her unlucky beginning in the Victory Ride in her comeback race four weeks ago was quickly forgotten after Separationofpowers bounced back with a hard-fought neck decision over a game Mia Mischief in Saturday’s $500,000 Test Stakes at Saratoga.

The victory was the second in a Grade 1 race for Separationofpowers and earned her an expenses-paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

Separationofpowers finished a late-running fourth while returning from an eight-month hiatus in the Grade 3 Victory Ride after stumbling badly at the break and dropping far off the pace. But she found herself in perfect stalking position once leaving the gate alertly under regular rider Jose Ortiz for the seven-furlong Test, several lengths off the early pace contested by Mia Mischief and Classy Act.

Mia Mischief disposed of Classy Act approaching the quarter pole and briefly edged clear, but Separationofpowers had dead aim on the leader, engaging for command after moving four wide nearing the stretch. The two leaders raced in tandem until inside the sixteenth pole, at which point Separationofpowers gradually edged away.

Mia Mischief was easily second-best, finishing 3 1/2 lengths in front of the late-striding Kelly’s Humor.

Separationofpowers, a 3-year-old daughter of Candy Ride, won the Grade 1 Frizette at 2. Trained by Chad Brown for Klaravich Stables, she completed seven furlongs in 1:22.78 over a fast track and paid $6.60.

“What a thrilling stretch run. I feel so fortunate our filly came out on top. She showed her heart and determination,” said Brown. “The runner-up ran so well, did a lot of the work up front. I’m so proud of my filly, how she showed so much heart to come out on top there. I thought Jose rode an outstanding race from start to finish.”

Brown said he was pleased to see his filly bounce back from her unlucky effort in the Victory Ride.

“She was injured after her run in the Breeders’ Cup last year, which involved a lot of rehab and patience just to bring her back,” said Brown. “Then to bring her back in the race at Belmont and have her stumble out of the gate and come back a little banged up, she grabbed her quarter and had a bunch of scratches all over her. Actually, I wasn’t sure I’d make the Test with her. Then she came around, started to breeze again, got to full health again, and came back with a beautiful, clean break and a good run.”

Brown said he’d likely stretch Separationofpowers out in distance for her next start.

“I’d love to stretch her back out,” said Brown. “She showed in the Frizette that she can go farther than seven furlongs. I’m not exactly sure which race yet. We’ll enjoy this win and make sure she’s healthy.”