Marking out for revenge in Forego

Godolphin trainer Kiaran McLaughlin believes Marking can turn the tables on rival A P Indian despite an unfavourable wide gate draw for both in Saturday's G1 Forego Stakes at Saratoga.
 
A total of 12 runners run in the seven-furlong Forego, with Marking set to start from the extreme outside, 12, though McLaughlin sees a silver lining in that situation.

"At face value, it's not great," the trainer said. "But he's had gate issues in the past, and the good thing is that drawn 12, he will be loaded last," he added.

AP Indian has drawn 11 this time, meaning he, too, will be scrapping for an early position out wide.

"I thought Marking was unlucky last time," McLaughlin said. "He covered 40 feet extra in the race than AP Indian, and this time he gets 6lb from that horse -- last time, it was 2lb. And he was only beaten a head.

"Marking has been doing very well in his work at home, and this time, he will have a change of jockey (Joel Rosario for Jose Lezcano). I'm very hopeful he can win the Forego. He's a beautiful colt, with a great pedigree," he added.

McLaughlin has a particularly busy day ahead -- he also runs Sentiero Italia in the G2 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa Stakes, sends Watershed to a G3 to Thistledown, Ohio, and Watershed to a G3 at Monmouth Park, New Jersey.