Tonalist's Shape to scratch at Keeneland and run in Coaching Club at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said Friday he will scratch two-time graded stakes winner Tonalist’s Shape from Saturday’s Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland to await the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks the following week at Saratoga.

“It just looks like the Coaching Club is a better spot, an easier spot for her than the Ashland,” Joseph said when asked what led to the decision. “The Ashland came up pretty tough, but she could be the favorite in the Coaching Club. Both are Grade 1 races, and I also feel that horses come from off the pace a little better at Saratoga then they do at Keeneland.”

Tonalist’s Shape has won 6 of 7 career starts, including the Grade 2 Davona Dale and Grade 3 Forward Gal this winter at Gulfstream Park. Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Tonalist’s Shape in the Davona Dale, has the call for the Coaching Club.

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“She’s won a Grade 2 and a Grade 3, but this will be a really big test for her,” Joseph said. “We’d love to get a Grade 1 win on her résumé, it’s really important, and she couldn’t be doing any better than she is right now”

Tonalist’s Shape flew out of South Florida on Friday while four of her stablemates boarded a van to join her at Saratoga later this weekend. Joseph, who will run Ny Traffic next weekend in the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park, said Tonalist’s Shape would likely blow out for the Coaching Club at Saratoga early next week, most likely on Tuesday.