Sagamore's Global Campaign over foot issue, returns to work

Sagamore Farm's Hunter Rankin was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his Sunday to update a few of the Maryland-based operation's runners, starting with an exciting 3-year-old prospect trained by Stanley Hough.

Here are a few takeaways from the conversation:

On Jan. 5, Global Campaign debuted as a dominant winner going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park, with the half-brother of Bolt d'Oro expected to point to the Swale Stakes (G3) from there. However, the Curlin colt did not show up in the entries.

Rankin said Global Campaign developed a foot problem after his workout on Jan. 19 and was forced to miss his next breeze. The ailment has heeled, Global Campaign is back on track, and he worked five furlongs Sunday in 1.00.40 at the Palm Meadows Training Center.

Global Campaign could resurface in a two-turn allowance race coming up this Saturday. 

Rankin described the $250,000 Keeneland purchase as a standout because of his size and pedigree. In addition to Bolt d'Oro, he's a sibling to stakes winner Sonic Mule and hails from the family of another Sagamore runner, Recruiting Ready. 

Recruiting Ready remained on the main track when second last weekend to World of Trouble in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, moved to the dirt due to rain. He could still go to the turf in the future after running into what Rankin called a "monster" in World of Trouble.

Rankin also discussed Sagamore's trainers, including Hough, who returned to the game after six years away from conditioning horses. Hough and Sagamore go way back, and Hunter has known him since he was a kid. Stanley is known as a patient trainer who wants to bring the best out of his horses, Rankin said. Among Hough's notable trainees are Request for Parole, Tar Heel Mom, Awesome Maria and Proud Appeal.

Horacio DePaz is another trainer known for his ties to Sagamore. He currently runs the Maryland string and has developed horses such as Recruiting Ready, stakes winner Ginger N Rye and stakes runner Chubby Star. DePaz has gone out on his own, though Sagamore continues to support him with many of their horses. 

We ended our chat by talking about a personal favorite of mine, He Hate Me, named after the former professional football player, Rod Smart, who used the same moniker when playing in the XFL. He Hate Me is the current workmate of Global Campaign and paired up with him because, as Rankin said, they bring out the best in one other.

He Hate Me is a stakes winner and has been gelded. He should resurface during the ongoing Gulfstream Park meet.