Godolphin's Frosted finished an excellent second in the circumstances to Texas Red in Saturday's Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin believes the Belmont Stakes runner-up can reverse the form with his rival next time they meet.
Godolphin's Frosted finished an excellent second in the circumstances to Texas Red in Saturday's Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin believes the Belmont Stakes runner-up can reverse the form with his rival next time they meet.
The obvious return clash should take place in the G1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 29, but connections of both will be hoping that Triple Crown winner American Pharoah is lured back to Del Mar, his trainer Bob Baffert's home track, for the TVG Pacific Classic on August 22, rather than staying on the East Coast.
American Pharoah was even more dominant and impressive in winning Sunday's Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, New Jersey, than he had been in any of the Classic victories he chalked up in May and June.
The winning margin, two and a quarter lengths, was in no way an accurate indication of his superiority. It could have been far bigger. He was being eased down by jockey Victor Espinoza long before the line, allowing Keen Ice to get within a respectful distance.
Baffert is expected to come under enormous pressure to run American Pharoah next in California, rather than Saratoga, but immediately after the race, the trainer refused to be drawn on a target.
McLaughlin reported Frosted to be none the worse post-race despite having ripped a shoe off in the first 50 yards of the Jim Dandy. "The good thing is that it came clean off," the trainer explained. "There was no damage to the foot. Fortunately, he didn't trod on a nail, which he could have, had the shoe become loose but remained attached."
McLaughlin was eager to point out that Frosted was giving 4lb to Texas Red on Saturday. They will meet at level weights in the Travers. "Also, the mile and a quarter is going to be ideal for Frosted," he added.
As predicted by the trainer, the Jim Dandy cut up to only four runners and it did indeed develop into a tactical race. "We lost pace out of the race," he explained.
The first weekend of Deauville featured a dazzling performance from the talented Amazing Maria, who defeated a strong field of fillies in the G1 Prix Rothschild, over one mile. She beat Coronation Stakes winner Ervedya by a length and a quarter, with something in hand.
Goodwood concluded on Saturday, with the standard of racing throughout the five days remaining high right to the end. Legatissimo, this year's 1000 Guineas winner, was brilliant in winning the G1 Nassau Stakes.
Godolphin produced a nice two-year-old, Folkswood, who has both the talent and potential to make an impact in his next nominated target, the Gimcrack Stakes, over six furlongs, at York during Ebor week.
Folkswood, a son of Exceed and Excel, made natural progress from his first outing, and trainer Charlie Appleby believes he has the necessary speed to drop back in trip from seven furlongs.
