Fantastic Song is a live one
Trained by Chad Brown, the good looking bay son of top turf sire, Lemon Drop Kid, has only had two career starts, but has done enough in those races for me to like his chances today despite the 20-1 morning line odds. The Green Hills Farm colt made his debut a winning one when he rallied from last to prevail in a 1 1/16m maiden turf race at Saratoga. The quality of that performance was pointed out when the horse he edged by a head that day, Animal Spirits, came back to win the Grade 3 Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland in his next start.
Meanwhile, Fantastic Song made his second start in the Grade 3 Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont Park on a very soft turf course on October 2. Sent of as the 8-5 choice, he finished third while running evenly, but was beaten only a length for the money. While the defeat should insure inviting odds today, I tend to believe it will only serve as experience for the lightly raced colt. The condition of the turf that day was most likely not one that he preferred.
“The colt definitely needs firm ground,” Brown said. “He didn’t run his “A” race in the Pilgrim. He still almost won, but it’s not his ‘A’ race. His ‘A’ race is the first time out in Saratoga when he came from dead last and won.
“I’m looking for the same type of trip here. I’m looking for a quicker pace and firm ground for him on Saturday. He’s got a nice cozy post on the inside (2), I want to find my way to the fence pretty soon and let them battle up front.”
I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments of his trainer, and fully expect a big performance on a turf course that is currently listed as good, and is drying out quickly. I just hope I get 20-1 on him.
So now you know Fantastic Song is my top longshot of the day … who do you like?