Shore Runner just needs a trip in Troy Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – When it comes to Saturday’s $100,000 Troy Stakes – as with most turf sprints – it all comes down to the trip. Specifically, what kind of trip jockey Kendrick Carmouche can work out for Shore Runner, who won a similar overnight stakes despite significant traffic issues earlier in the meet.
Shore Runner’s nose decision over Sharp Sensation in the Lucky Coin here July 27 was his third consecutive victory, all on grass, and his second since being claimed by trainer Joe Sharp for owner Brad Grady for $62,500 late this spring at Belmont Park.
Shore Runner will break from post 2 in the 5 1/2-furlong Troy.
“He’s doing great, couldn’t be happier, and obviously we know he’s good enough to get the job done,” said Sharp. “He didn’t draw well again, being down near the inside, but Kendrick knows the horse well. He knows he’s handy enough to get out of any traffic he might encounter, and hopefully he’ll be able to keep him out of harm’s way.”
Shore Runner will face some familiar faces in the Troy, including Sandy’z Slew and Spring to the Sky, who were the fourth- and fifth-place finishers in the Lucky Coin, and Summation Time. He’ll also meet some new shooters in Go Blue Or Go Home and Something Extra, who were the first two finishers in Woodbine’s Grade 2 Highlander Stakes on July 5, and the red-hot Summer Breezing, a former claimer who brings a two-race win streak against lesser into the race.
Key Contenders
Shore Runner (Last 3 Beyers: 96-95-96)
◗ Has been a model of consistency from a Beyer standpoint during his win streak and is perfect in two starts over the local course.
Go Blue Or Go Home (Last 3 Beyers: 98-89-79)
◗ He owns the highest last-race Beyer in the field, a 98, for his Grade 2 win at Woodbine. He finished fourth following a slow start in the 2014 edition of the Troy.
Something Extra (Last 3 Beyers: 93-96-96)
◗ Canadian-based gelding is no stranger to New York, having finished second after setting a contested pace earlier this season in the Grade 3 Jaipur at Belmont.
Spring to the Sky (Last 3 Beyers: 91-86-49)
◗ He may have lost a step or two since winning this race in wire-to-wire fashion a year ago, but he does reunite with his favorite rider, Javier Castellano, who has been aboard for all six of his wins.