Strategy pays off for Synchrony in Muniz Memorial
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
NEW ORLEANS – Synchrony's time off last year certainly allowed him to grow up, mature, and come back a better horse, but it was his versatility that carried him to victory Saturday at Fair Grounds in the Grade 2, $300,000 Muniz Memorial Handicap for older turf runners.
Unlike in the Fair Grounds Handicap, which he won last time out in his 2018 debut by rallying from well back, the course profile in recent weeks at Fair Grounds convinced trainer Mike Stidham and jockey Joe Bravo that Synchrony needed to be closer to have his best chance.
Synchrony was a willing partner in the scheme, and he closed best to beat longshots Arklow (11-1) and Zulu Alpha (91-1).
“We didn’t want to be far back, the way the course has been speed-favoring,” Stidham said. “He’s so adaptable. That’s the beauty of him. He’s a sweetheart of a horse.”
Synchrony, who started from the rail in the 11-horse field, saved ground early as Zulu Alpha set the pace, closely monitored by Mr. Misunderstood and Forge.
“He was so willing,” Bravo said. “We sat right in the pocket comfortably and watched it unfold.”
Bravo tipped him out midway on the far turn and took him to the center of the course for the stretch drive.
Synchrony ($8), the favorite, beat Arklow by 1 3/4 lengths, with Zula Alpha holding on for third, another three-quarters of a length back.
Mr. Misunderstood was fourth, then came, in order, Ring Weekend, Lucullan – who stumbled at the start – Forge, One Mean Man, Revved Up, Galton, and Danish Dynaformer.
Synchrony completed about 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:49.59.
Stidham trains Synchrony for his owner and breeder, the Pin Oak Stable of Josephine Abercrombie, who flew in for the race from Lexington, in company with a number of friends, including trainer Chris Speckert.
Now age 5, Synchrony, by Tapit, has won five times in 12 starts. The Muniz was only his second start since returning from a layoff of more than eight months. Stidham said he didn’t have any serious issues, just was given enough time to get right, even getting additional time off when he initially did not train satisfactorily.
When he was put back in training anew, “He came back like a different horse,” Stidham said.
Synchrony earned $180,000 on Saturday, has earned $270,000 this year, and has earned $438,102 life-time.
