SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas will attempt to expand on his all-time winning record in the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful when he sends out BC Stables’ Bourbon Bash for the historic seven-furlong test on the Spa’s Closing Day, Monday September 5.
Lukas’ record of eight Hopeful wins date back to 1990 winner Deposit Ticket. He also saddled Salt Lake [1991], Hennessy [1995], High Yield [1999], Yonaguska [2000-DH], Dublin [2009], Strong Mandate [2013] and Sporting Chance [2017].
Bourbon Bash, a 2-year-old son of freshman stallion City of Light, graduated at second asking going six furlongs on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course. He took command from the first point of call and built on his advantage throughout, strolling home to an eight-length victory while producing an 83 Beyer Speed Figure.
The winning effort came just shy of three weeks following a runner-up finish in his debut, where he was 6 1/4 lengths in arrears of Blazing Sevens, who also is targeting the Hopeful.
“We’re headed that way. That’s what we were trying to accomplish in the last one,” Lukas said.
Bourbon Bash’s lights-out maiden victory added to Lukas’ prosperity with 2-year-olds this meet. He also saddled Holy Cow Stables’ Naughty Gal to victory in the Grade 3 Adirondack on August 7 as well as Grade 3 Schuylerville runner-up Summer Promise.
Lukas said he holds the Hopeful in high regard.
“It’s a pivotal race. It’s a career-making race in a lot of ways and an important race on the 2-year-old division without a doubt,” Lukas said. “It gives you great momentum going into the Breeders’ Cup. We always had pointed for it. Obviously, the record stands out and this is no exception. We want this horse to get into the fray, too.”
Bred in Kentucky by Machmer Hall, Bourbon Bash was bought for $280,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was consigned by his breeder. He is the first offspring out of the stakes-winning Violence mare Buy Sell Hold, who is a full-sister to Grade 1-winning sprinter Volatile. Bourbon Bash’s fourth dam is dual Grade 1-winning millionaire Lady Tak, who secured victories at that level in the 2003 Test and 2004 Ballerina, both at Saratoga.
NYRA Press Office
Photo: Bourbon Bash breaks his maiden August 13, 2022 at Saratoga (NYRA/Coglianese)
