Synchrony makes things clear with Muniz win

Anyone needing further affirmation that, at least for the spring, Synchrony is one of the best middle-distance horses in North America got it on Saturday in the Muniz Memorial Handicap.

Synchrony had returned from a long layoff with scintillating score Feb. 17 in the Fair Grounds Handicap, which produced a career-best 100 Beyer Speed Figure. In the Grade 2, $300,000 Muniz, Synchrony fully validated that performance, winning by 1 3/4 lengths in a deeper, stronger field, and getting another career-best Beyer of 101.

“He came out of the race great and looked fabulous this morning,” trainer Mike Stidham said Sunday. “It did not take an ounce out of him.”

Synchrony is a 5-year-old horses by Tapit out of the fine race mare Brownie Points who was bred and is owned by Pin Oak Stable. He showed dirt talent from the start of his career in 2015, improved when switched to turf by Stidham last year, and has hit a new, higher level following a long break, during which Synchrony got over some nagging physical issues.

His race Saturday was even better than it looks on paper. After closing into a fast pace in the Fair Grounds Handicap, Synchrony was intentionally kept closer to the leaders by jockey Joe Bravo.

“Joe and I talked extensively about this being a different turf course than last time,” Stidham said. “We were going to have to use different tactics. He got the first call out of the gate.”

Synchrony had an ideal spot along the rail and just behind the leaders when he bobbled going into the far turn and lost his position. That turned his trip trickier, but Synchrony still proved much the best.

Concrete plans haven’t been set for Synchrony, but the Grade 1, $500,000 Old Forester Turf Classic (formerly the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic) over 1 1/8 miles on May 5 at Churchill Downs will likely hold appeal.

“That would be the most obvious spot, but we’ll look at our options,” Stidham said.