Report: Mott considers two spots for Hofburg's next race
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Eclipse Sportswire
Off as the second choice in the Belmont Stakes, Hofburg ran a respectable third, beaten only by the Triple Crown winner Justify and late-running Gronkowski earlier this month. But the reality is for this well-regarded son of Tapit: He's only won one race.
And that seems to be a consideration as trainer Bill Mott told the Daily Racing Form's Marcus Hersh that two spots are possible for Hofburg's next race.
First, on Friday, July 27, is the Curlin Stakes. And then on Saturday, July 28, is the Jim Dandy. Both run at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga.
The Jim Dandy, of course, is the tougher spot. It offers a $600,000 purse, six times that of the Curlin, and carries Grade 2 status (but will likely include at least one Grade 1 winner).
According to DRF, Hofburg is "galloping steadily" at Saratoga out of his fifth start. After breaking his maiden second out on March 3, the Juddmonte Farms homebred went straight to the Florida Derby (second), Kentucky Derby (seventh) and then the Belmont.
Other horses said to be under consideration for the Jim Dandy include Florida Derby winner Audible and Bravazo. Also, Instilled Regard relocated to the East Coast in trainer Chad Brown's barn and could appear there.
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