Mack Miller to Start in Race One at Saratoga

Mack Miller will be running in the first race on Wednesday at Saratoga. No, not MacKenzie “Mack” Miller, the Hall of Fame trainer of Rokeby Stable fame, but yes, Mack Miller, the two year-old colt making his debut for Dogwood Stable and trainer Todd Pletcher.

 

That first race is an $80,000 maiden special weight going 5½ furlongs on the grass course. It is a fitting tribute to Mack Miller, the trainer, that his namesake will be running on the turf course where he had many of his greatest victories.

 

Dogwood Stable’s President and Founder, Cot Campbell, was a close friend of Mack Miller. He based his Dogwood Stable in Aiken, South Carolina because many of the best horses and trainers were there. As stated on dogwoodstable.com, “He [Cot Campbell] was good friends with Mack Miller, who was based in Aiken during the winter months. Most horsemen would agree that Aiken offers ideal surroundings for training Thoroughbreds and Campbell knew well the quality of the area. He had seen the great Thoroughbred Kelso train at the famous Aiken Training Track.”

 

Miller, who was known as the “Gentleman Trainer” during his 46 year career, excelled with turf horses. He won the Bernard Baruch (5 times), the Long Island Handicap (5), Man o’ War Stakes (2), Diana Handicap (4), Manhattan Handicap (2), the United Nations Handicap (5), and the Canadian International. Three of his four of champions were turf runners:  Assagai, Hawaii, and Snow Knight.

 

In total Miller trained 72 stakes winners, including the 1993 Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero. Tomorrow when Mack Miller is being saddled for his first start he will pass by the statue of Sea Hero that stands in the middle of the Saratoga paddock.

 

 

The two year-old has prepared for his turf debut by training on the Oklahoma turf course three times. Mack Miller is by Yes It’s True, a sire that has begun to produce some grass winners. Last Sunday, Yes I’m Lucky won the Tyro Stakes for juveniles at Monmouth Park going 5½ furlongs on the turf.