Special Relativity wins from garden spot in Shine Again

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Benefitting from a perfect trip under David Cohen, Special Relativity kept her perfect Saratoga record intact with a 2 1/2-length victory in Wednesday’s $100,000 Shine Again Stakes.

In a scratch-reduced field of four, Special Relativity sat third behind dueling leaders Awestruck and Mr. Al’s Gal through a half-mile in 47.47 seconds. Cohen tipped Special Relativity three wide approaching the quarter pole, got the jump on Saguaro Row, who was last early, and cruised to the victory.

The win was the seventh in 20 starts for Special Relativity, but it was her fourth in as many races at Saratoga, including an allowance win here just two weeks ago.

“She’s a whole different type of horse here,” said Cohen, who has ridden Special Relativity in all four of her wins here and one at Oaklawn Park. “She’s on the muscle. Normally, you’re not looking to see that out of a horse, but she’s the type of horse that whatever is in the Saratoga air she’s just breathing fire and runs like it.”

Trainer Robertino Diodoro had expressed confidence in Special Relativity before the race, his lone concern being her rail draw. But Cohen was actually happy to have the rail.

“That’s where I want to end up with her anyway,” Cohen said. “With this being such a short field I didn’t want to get stuck down inside going into the turn, was able to maneuver out into the three path -- that’s not the first thing I want to do is go three wide around the track -- but she’s a very big filly and not having to impede her stride is probably more important than saving ground.”

Special Relativity, a daughter of Cowboy Cal, owned by Mike Sisk’s M and M Racing, covered the seven furlongs in 1:23.88 and returned $6.60 to win as the third choice.

Saguaro Row, the 8-5 favorite, rallied for second, 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Awestruck. Mr. Al’s Gal was last. Talk Veuve to Me and Quick Quick Quick scratched.

Special Relativity could risk her unbeaten Saratoga record in the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina here on Aug. 24 if her connections so choose.