Tacticus impresses in Birdstone Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Graham Motion said the more distance the better for his European import Tacticus shortly after entries were drawn for Wednesday’s 1 3/4-mile Birdstone Stakes. And his prediction was right on the money after Tacticus, benefitting from a patient ride by Joel Rosario, rallied to a 2 1/2-length victory over Turco Bravo in Thursday’s main event at Saratoga.
Tacticus, a 4-year-old son of A.P. Indy, had posted a pair of victories going 1 1/2 miles this year in England and was sent to Motion with the Grade 2, 12-furlong Brooklyn as his goal on the Belmont Stakes undercard, only to have a minor foot issue keep him from running that day.
Tacticus finally made his U.S. debut going a mere nine furlongs here July 26, finishing fourth in a race Motion felt was a useful prep for the Birdstone. Racing on Lasix for the first time Wednesday, Tacticus rated within easy striking distance of the early pace, with Rosario keeping him in reserve even after Turco Bravo surged to the front nearing the half-mile pole to quickly open what seemed to be a commanding advantage.
But the extra distance was just what the doctor ordered for Tacticus, who commenced his bid into the stretch, joined the tiring leader nearing the eighth pole, and won going away. It was nearly seven lengths farther back to the struggling third-place finisher, Desvelo.
Both Micromanage, the 9-5 favorite and defending Birdstone champ, and his stablemate Village Warrior were eased through the stretch but walked off under their own power.
Tacticus completed the distance in 2:59.15 and paid $6.60.
“I guess I got a little nervous when the other horse opened a lead like that,” said Motion, who was not in attendance for the race. “But to be honest, it looked like Joel was sitting pretty chilly on him, and in the end, I thought he won pretty nicely. I was really pleased with the way he did it.”
Motion said he has nothing specific picked out for Tacticus’s next start but added that, “The options will be fairly obvious. We’ll probably be looking at any races at a mile and one-half and beyond.”