Saratoga Springs witnessed an impressive performance by Orange Freeze, who triumphed in the $150,000 Statue of Liberty Division race for 3-year-old fillies at the New York Stallion Series. Running on the inner turf course, Orange Freeze, owned by Billy Morey, stormed down the home stretch to secure victory.
Orange Freeze had previously tasted success in May at Belmont Park, under the guidance of jockey Joel Rosario. Following the same strategy, they emerged as winners for the Madakat Stable. However, Morey had a $40,000 claim for the filly, who is a daughter of Freud and was bred by Thummp’s Racing Stable. Eight other potential owners also had claims for Orange Freeze.
In a drawing to determine ownership, Morey emerged as the fortunate winner, thanks to the numbered balls used to establish post positions. Reflecting on his claim and victory in the Stallion Series race, Morey stated, “Targeting this race wasn’t the sole reason for the claim, but it was always at the back of my mind. When you claim a New York-sired horse, you know you have this option.”
While the first $49,230 of Orange Freeze’s earnings still belongs to Madakat, Morey gets to collect the winner’s share of $82,500 from the Stallion Series’ overall purse of $150,000. Moreover, as Morey is also the trainer of his own horses, he will receive a larger portion of the $82,500.
Punters who bet on Orange Freeze were rewarded handsomely, with payout rates of $10.60, $6.80, and $3.40 across the board, given that she was bet down to 4-1.
In a similar vein, the New York Stallion Series for male 3-year-olds seemed like a rerun for racing fans. Ramblin’ Wreck emerged victorious in the previous edition at Belmont Park, run on the turf over a distance of seven furlongs. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and trainer Danny Gargan orchestrated the win. Twenty Six Black, ridden by Manny Franco and trained by Horacio de Paz, finished a length behind in second place, with Itsallcomingtogether securing third under Jose Gomez and Phil Serpe.
These three contenders, alongside five other rivals, will compete in another New York Stallion Series race. This time, the race will be run over a mile on the inner turf course.
As the morning-line favorite at 7-5, Ramblin’ Wreck is expected to handle the extra eighth of a mile successfully, with Ortiz and Gargan serving as rider and trainer respectively. Twenty Six Black, with Franco and De Paz, follows closely at 5-2.
Vacation Dance, who finished fourth in the previous edition, returns under the training of John Kimmel, with Kendrick Caramouche entrusted with the riding assignment.
In another exciting development, the New York Racing Association has introduced “Maiden-Auction” races to accommodate thoroughbreds that do not possess the pedigree or conformation to command high prices at auction. These races are specifically reserved for horses that have been sold at public auction for $50,000 or less or had an auction reserve price of $50,000 or less.
One such “Maiden-Auction” race took place yesterday, featuring 12 entries of 2-year-old maiden fillies competing over 5 ½ furlongs. However, two first-time starters, Tempting Lady and She Takes Cash, were scratched as they exceeded the race’s entry limit.
Queen’s Martini, a first-time runner representing Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and trained by Danny Gargan, emerged as the dominant victor, winning by a margin of 5 ¾ lengths. Under the guidance of jockey Luis Saez, Queen’s Martini paid out $6.50 for the win.
With these thrilling events unfolding at Saratoga Springs, horse racing enthusiasts can expect a summer filled with exciting races and unforgettable performances.
