NEW YORK’S SARATOGA SPRINGS –
When trying to defeat Big Invasion in the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds on Sunday at Saratoga, trainer Wesley Ward promises that Asymmetric will be ridden differently than he was in the Paradise Creek Stakes at Belmont Park in May.
Asymmetric, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., ran a first quarter in 21.87 seconds to jump out to a six-length lead in the seven-furlong Paradise Creek.
Asymmetric continued to fight for second but was no match for Big Invasion, who swept by him in the stretch to win by 3 1/4 lengths, marking his fourth straight triumph.
According to Ward, riding Asymmetric to the front was not done in Europe.
In his six races there, he triumphed three times, including a Group 2 prizes at Goodwood in July.
When they anchor him in the gate for his races in Europe, Ward observed, “He swings his head around and then he settles.”
I don’t think they’ll need to do that to get him back this time, with all the speed in there.
That’s not my responsibility, so perhaps he can tuck right in there behind them.
Jamie Spencer, a rider based in Europe who will remain in town Sunday after riding Creative Flair in Saturday’s Grade 1 Diana for Godolphin, will be tasked with settling Asymmetric.
According to Ward, Rebecca Hillen, the proprietor of Asymmetric, is friends with Spencer.
For the Quick Call, Ward stated that he is removing the blinkers from Asymmetric.
That ought to assist the jock as well, said Ward.
One Timer, who was drawn in post 6, is anticipated to withdraw from Sunday’s $100,000 race.
At Monmouth Park, the My Frenchman Stakes, according to trainer Larry Rivelli
Right outside of Asymmetric is Big Invasion, the Quick Call’s top contender.
Big Invasion has won four straight races, including the Texas Glitter at Gulfstream, the William Walker at Churchill Downs, and the Paradise Creek at Belmont, where he came from further behind than in his prior races after placing second in his debut in January at Gulfstream Park.
Regarding the Paradise Creek, trainer Christophe Clement commented, “He went pretty nicely at seven furlongs.”
Although he relaxed, he still has a lot of natural speed, which shocked me.
He rides really quickly.
The rider is Joel Rosario.
Nobals has won four straight races, just like Big Invasion.
The swift son of Noble Mission, who was coached by Rivelli, had won three straight races on synthetic surfaces before taking home a prize on grass at Churchill on June 5.
Rivelli stated, “The recent race slightly modified my mind. I always thought he was stronger on Poly than turf.
“Pretty beautiful horse, improving steadily.”
The pace may include Nobals, Run Curtis Run, and Surprise Boss.
The field on turf is completed by Dance Code, Sky, and Sand.
Only the main track is entered for Senbei and Hagler.
The eighth race of a 10-race card that gets underway at 1:05 p.m. is The Quick Call.
After gloomy Monday and Tuesday, racing resumes at Saratoga on Wednesday.