Elate showed early on she could be any kind of horse breaking her maiden by 12 plus lengths at Aqueduct for Bill Mott last November.
Subsequently she ran a few disappointing races including being banned off in the Grade 1 Ashland after being pulled up. Whatever was bothering her was apparently fixed by Mr. Mott as she has really blossomed and turned into a monster.
Following her impressive Alabama win at Saratoga Elate toyed with older fillies in the Beldame. Albeit it was not a stellar field and was not of the quality she will face in the Breeders’ Cup but the way she did it signals she id still improving and ready for better. She was on a heavy rail following rain, a sealed then harrowed track and in traffic most of the way.
Jose Ortiz had his legs practically straight in the stirrups waiting for room or something to happen and when a slight seam appeared in the stretch she darted between horses like a pro and drew off quickly to win throttled down.
Elate definitely fired a warning shot anyone pointing to what looks like an extremely competitive Breeders’ Cup Distaff should pay attention to.
