Ship Cadet took an early lead and maintained it throughout the ninth running of the Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Despite heavy rain causing the race to be moved from the turf to the main track, Ship Cadet emerged victorious, defeating eight other competitors. The event drew a crowd of 32,396 and had a prize fund of $150,000.
Jockey Manny Franco skillfully guided Ship Cadet out of the gate, immediately establishing a half-length lead over Five o’ Somewhere. Franco remained focused and determined, even with a comfortable 3½-length lead at the head of the stretch. To ensure victory, Franco urged Ship Cadet with his crop a couple of times as they passed the eighth pole.
Ultimately, Ship Cadet crossed the finish line 1¼ lengths ahead of El Grande O, who had been close to the pace for most of the race. Seize the Grey, the 9-2 favorite, made an impressive comeback from the rear of the field to secure third place, 1½ lengths behind the runner-up.
Ship Cadet completed the race in 1 minute and 5.30 seconds on the muddy main track, which had been sealed due to the rain. This win marked Ship Cadet’s second victory in four attempts. After winning on the turf at Belmont Park, Ship Cadet finished second in the Tremont on a fast main track and second again on a good turf course in Monmouth Park’s Tyro Stakes. The colt has shown versatility and has yet to favor a specific racing surface.
Peter Proscia, co-owner of Ship Cadet from Paradise Farms, expressed admiration for the colt’s ability to adapt to different surfaces. Proscia mentioned that they had considered scratching Ship Cadet when the race was moved to the main track but ultimately decided to take a chance, which paid off. Proscia and the team had noticed that the track was drying out, which may have contributed to Ship Cadet’s success.
Trainer Mike Maker, who achieved his seventh win of the Saratoga meet with this victory, concurred with Proscia’s sentiments. Maker explained that they had debated whether or not to scratch Ship Cadet due to the short 18-day gap between the Tyro Stakes and the Skidmore Stakes. However, Maker decided to proceed with the race, believing that waiting longer may lead to unforeseen factors affecting the colt. Maker was not concerned about the racing surface, emphasizing the importance of Ship Cadet’s quick turnaround time.
Maker also shared his plans for Ship Cadet’s future, expressing confidence in the horse’s abilities beyond sprinting. He mentioned the possibility of stretching Ship Cadet’s distance and exploring races such as the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Sprint on September 13 or the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile on September 10. Both races take place on an undulating turf course.
Ship Cadet entered the race as the second favorite at 2-1 odds. The colt rewarded bettors with a payout of $6.90 for a win, $4 for a place, and $2.80 for a show. El Grande O, initially considered an outsider at 10-1 odds, paid $8.90 for a place and $4.70 for a show. Seize the Grey’s impressive performance earned the favorite a show payout of $2.80.
Looking ahead, Maker maintains his focus on Kentucky Downs as the ultimate goal for Ship Cadet. The colt, hailing from California, will be heading to Kentucky soon to compete in either the Juvenile Sprint or the Juvenile Mile, depending on Maker’s desired distance for Ship Cadet.
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