All Options On the Table for Liam's Map
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Photo:
NYRA
All options appear to be the table for Whitney runner-up Liam's Map going forward, trainer Todd Pletcher said Sunday
morning.
The 4-year-old Unbridled's Song colt was making only his second start this year and his graded stakes debut when he was caught by Honor Code in the final strides in the Whitney. Pletcher reported that his charge came out of the effort in good shape, although his next target has yet to be determined, citing the Grade 1 Woodward on September 5, as well as the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational and the Grade 2 Kelso Handicap, both on Super Saturday October 3 at Belmont Park, as possible options.
"I think he earned as much respect as you can without winning a race," Pletcher said. "It was a tremendous effort. He ran hard and just missed. He's a horse that we've always liked a lot. We weren't surprised by the effort at all."
In the Whitney, Liam's Map led rivals through respectable fractions and looked clear for victory at the top of the stretch, pulling away from the field by as many as four or five lengths before being nipped at the wire by the winner.
"I didn't [think we were home]. I know that Honor Code is a powerful finisher and his last eighth of a mile is generally the best part of the race for him," said Pletcher. "I knew we had gone fast and Tonalist and Honor Code dropped way back, so you figured they would be running. Looking at the finish line, I knew it was going to be close. We're not big on consolation prizes but we were proud of his effort."
Meanwhile, Repole Stable's Coach Inge worked Sunday morning in preparation for a possible start in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on August 22 at Del Mar. The Grade 2 Brooklyn Invitational winner covered four furlongs in 48.03 seconds, the sixth-fastest of 61 at the distance.
"I was pleased with the work," Pletcher said of the move. "I'm going to talk to [owner] Mike Repole and discuss the options."
Grade 3 Sanford winner Uncle Vinny worked a half-mile with stablemate Saratoga Mischief, winner of a July 25 maiden race at the Spa, for their upcoming stakes assignments. Saratoga Mischief, pointing towards the Grade 2 Saratoga Special on July 16, finished the distance in 48.04 seconds, just edging Uncle Vinny, who is likely for the Grade 1 Hopeful on September 7.
Source: NYRA Communications
The 4-year-old Unbridled's Song colt was making only his second start this year and his graded stakes debut when he was caught by Honor Code in the final strides in the Whitney. Pletcher reported that his charge came out of the effort in good shape, although his next target has yet to be determined, citing the Grade 1 Woodward on September 5, as well as the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational and the Grade 2 Kelso Handicap, both on Super Saturday October 3 at Belmont Park, as possible options.
In the Whitney, Liam's Map led rivals through respectable fractions and looked clear for victory at the top of the stretch, pulling away from the field by as many as four or five lengths before being nipped at the wire by the winner.
"I didn't [think we were home]. I know that Honor Code is a powerful finisher and his last eighth of a mile is generally the best part of the race for him," said Pletcher. "I knew we had gone fast and Tonalist and Honor Code dropped way back, so you figured they would be running. Looking at the finish line, I knew it was going to be close. We're not big on consolation prizes but we were proud of his effort."
"I was pleased with the work," Pletcher said of the move. "I'm going to talk to [owner] Mike Repole and discuss the options."
Grade 3 Sanford winner Uncle Vinny worked a half-mile with stablemate Saratoga Mischief, winner of a July 25 maiden race at the Spa, for their upcoming stakes assignments. Saratoga Mischief, pointing towards the Grade 2 Saratoga Special on July 16, finished the distance in 48.04 seconds, just edging Uncle Vinny, who is likely for the Grade 1 Hopeful on September 7.
Source: NYRA Communications
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