Technical Analysis outlasts Fluffy Socks to win Ballston Spa Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Technical Analysis led nearly gate to wire and survived a late scare from a closing stablemate to win the Grade 2 Ballston Spa Stakes by a diminishing half-length on Saturday at Saratoga.
The lone speed in a five-horse field, Technical Analysis was bet as if she would overwhelm her opposition in the 1 1/16-mile turf race, and she nearly did. But after a mile in 1:36.76 on a turf course rated good, jockey Jose Ortiz had to get busy on the 4-year-old mare to hold off Fluffy Socks, a hardy closer rounding into form piloted by Jose’s brother Irad.
Both Technical Analysis and Fluffy Socks are trained by Chad Brown. Lemista, another Ballston Spa runner trained by Brown, finished fourth.
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“Clearly, Technical Analysis was able to carve out fractions that were comfortable, so we knew she would be tough down the lane,” Brown said after the race. “But Fluffy Socks was really sitting on a good race. She’s been so consistent. When she tipped out and Irad was coming down the lane, I thought it would be pretty close based on the way she was training.”
Technical Analysis paid $2.70 to win. Final time was 1:42.90, and she got her last 5/16ths in 30.03. Fluffy Socks, the second choice, was followed by High Opinion, seven lengths back.
Technical Analysis was given a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.
Owner Seth Klarman said after the race that Technical Analysis loves it at Saratoga.
“She ran well today,” he said. “She really has two dimensions. She doesn’t have to go right to the lead, but we were happy she caught a relatively paceless field here today. And she likes it a little bit soft, so it was a good setup for her.”
Technical Analysis has now won six of her 11 starts and has earned $828,200. Four of her wins have been graded stakes on the turf. An Irish-bred, she is by Kingman out of the Sea The Stars mare Sealife.
Brown said that the Grade 1 First Lady Stakes at Keeneland at one mile on the turf on Oct. 8 was an “obvious” next spot for Technical Analysis. But Brown said that he is not yet looking for a Breeders’ Cup spot for either Technical Analysis or Fluffy Socks.
“I wouldn’t go that far yet with these two horses,” Brown said. “I’ll see what the next round brings us.”
Klarman agreed.
“Chad has a lot of turf fillies, so Chad will see where she fits,” Klarman said. “Under the right setup she certainly could be [a Breeders’ Cup horse], but I don’t push Chad on that. Let’s see what happens and who else is around. We’ll have lots of options.”