Sigalert wins short, wants long

DEL MAR, Calif. – The closing-day Del Mar Futurity is very much in the picture for Sigalert, who weaved his way through traffic to win first time out Saturday for trainer John Sadler.

“He didn’t strike me as a speedy, speedy type of colt in his works,” Sadler said of Sigalert, who is by Street Sense, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. “I think he’s a horse who wants to route.”

Regardless, Sigalert was able to get up in time going 5 1/2 furlongs on Saturday under Drayden Van Dyke. In the Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 3 he’ll have seven furlongs with which to work.

“Drayden said he really picked it up after the wire,” Sadler said. “I think he’ll be at his best when he gets to go two turns. We’re very happy with him. Mentally, he’s a very settled colt.”

Sadler trains Sigalert for his primary clients, Kosta and Pete Hronis.