Sugar Hi dazzles on debut on opening day at the Spa (NYRA/Coglianese)
For the Week of: 07/10/2023 through 07/16/2023
By 2YO EdgeMan
SAR2:0701323 – Bill Mott showed that he’s likely got another huge barn of fine two-year-olds as #7 Sugar Hi and jockey Junior Alvarado put in a big performance to start the 2023 juvenile season at da Spa. After breaking well, she found herself quickly tracking #6 Lady Moscato’s every stride. Shortly after straightening for the stretch drive, Junior gave her three left-handed reminders and off she went and was quickly putting daylight in between her and the field in the final 1/16th of a mile, even though she was then not asked for a thing. The final time for the 5 ½ furlongs was a solid 105:14 (86 EBSF) – and the fractions were clicked off in 22.46, 45.77 and 58.35. The tote board indicated that the holders of $2W tickets would cash in for $6.30. She’s still in the main pool at the Game of Silks, so a random revel could put her in your stable.
Our pick – #1 Classy Mischief – was a disappointment. She seemed timid at the start as her initial break was ok, but she looked like she didn’t want much of the competition thing and quickly dropped to the back of the pack. She did make up some ground late in the race, but it was not a performance to cherish. Oh well, we ain’t hanging out heads. Learnings – Mott can absolutely score with his firsters, you certainly just have to pick your spots as his strike rate is low with first time racers. This gal was warm on the board having started at M/L odds of 8/1 before going off at 2/1 (helped some by a scratch of the M/L favorite). The 5/23/23 bullet work clearly indicated that she had some speed and this one turned out to be impressive. Owner CJ Thoroughbreds had not started a 2YO trained by Mott over the past five years (2018 thru 2022) and had only won twice with juveniles at first asking (from 35 tries), both of those were trained by Ward.
SAR1:071523 – Heavily favored – #1 Pirate – ‘stole’ the show, as TAP unveiled another monster. Irad got this FTS by Spendthrift Farm’s terrific First-Crop Sire – Omaha Beach – moving quickly along the rail and they rapidly reached the front. He was pushed along, however, by #5 Areteta before exploding just before the turn for home and was quickly in the clear. He put his nose on the wire 3 ½ lengths in front of his nearest pursuer in a final time of 1:04.89 for the 5 ½ furlongs, which equated to an impressive E-Speed Fig of 84. His fractions were also swift – 22.26, 45.70 and 58.20, but the betting reward was miniscule – $2.70 for the $2W wagers.
Our pick – #6 Sheriff Joe – did little running. Learnings – I just can’t pick a horse that is going off with next to no odds, that just would not be sporting. This ½ bro to National Treasure is going to make some waves going forward.
Wednesday brings another restricted 2YO MSW race at The Spa, as well as two more early on the card on Thursday, however we get an unrestricted event in the sixth race Thursday on the turf and also again on Friday over the lawn. So, buckle down – we are going to get this train rollin, my Edgie Conductors!
