Undrafted set for Saratoga turf debut in Lucky Coin Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Undrafted has raced over just about every major turf course in the U.S. as well as at Ascot and Newmarket during a career that has produced earnings in excess of $1.2 million. But Undrafted has yet to try his luck on the grass at Saratoga, a situation that will be remedied Monday when he goes postward as the favorite in the $100,000 Lucky Coin Stakes.

A field of 11 turf-sprint specialists was entered for the 5 1/2-furlong Lucky Coin, along with Weekend Hideaway and All Star Red, both of whom were entered for the main track only.

Undrafted will be making his first start since finishing sixth as the defending champion in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot five weeks ago. He also finished fourth two years ago in the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

“I’ve taken him on some European vacations over the last few years, but he’ll be staying stateside the rest of this season,” said Wesley Ward, who trains Undrafted for Wes Welker and Sheep Pond Partners. “He had a great trip at Ascot, he just didn’t like the soft course. He likes it fast and firm, so hopefully we won’t get any rain between now and Monday.”

The stretch-running Undrafted will need some pace up front and figures to get it with Spring to the Sky, Pool Winner, Doctor J Dub, and Choctaw Chuck all blessed with plenty of early speed.

Spring to the Sky has rounded back into peak form after being freshened over the winter, having finished a close second in a pair of five-furlong turf stakes before posting a very game allowance victory while stretching out to six panels earlier this month at Belmont Park.

Pool Winner brings a four-race win streak into the race and has been a model of consistency against lesser company for trainer Alan Goldberg, having finished first or second in his last 12 starts dating to March 2015.

The multiple graded stakes winner Long On Value will turn back to a sprint for the first time on grass since winning an overnight stakes at Colonial Downs in just the second start of his career more than three years ago. Long On Value won the Grade 2 Twilight Derby at age 3 and the Grade 3 Canadian Turf the following winter for trainer Bill Mott.

KEY CONTENDERS

Undrafted, by Purim

Last 3 Beyers: 100-96-94

◗ Ward said he is not concerned that Undrafted will break from the extreme outside in the 11-horse field. “He’s an old veteran; he knows what he’s doing,” Ward said. “He’ll sit back and come with a big run.”

Spring to the Sky, by Langfuhr

Last 3 Beyers: 98-95-100

◗ He led throughout to win this race two years ago, defeating another Ward trainee, Great Attack, by 1 3/4 lengths in the middle leg of a three-race winning streak.

Long On Value, by Value Plus

Last 3 Beyers: 97-88-99

◗ He comes into the race off a very impressive four-furlong work over the Oklahoma training track punctuated by a big gallop-out, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Vesce.