Barn Tour: DeVaux is well-positioned for Saratoga meet

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

A legend is missing from barn 83 at Saratoga, succeeded by someone who appears to be a star in the making.

With the June 28 death of D. Wayne Lukas, one of the finest trainers in racing history, Cherie DeVaux has moved into the barn he occupied with distinction for so long.

“It’s definitely an honor,” said DeVaux, 42. “Wayne definitely left some big shoes to fill, so we’re trying to do that a little at a time.”

Plans call for a renovation of the aging barn and the creation of a memorial at the site to honor Lukas. He died at age 89 after attaining the highest of highs as the winner of 15 Triple Crown races and 20 Breeders’ Cup contests. He produced 26 champions.

DeVaux’s fortunes have risen steadily since she struck out on her own in 2018 after working as an assistant to Chad Brown, a perennial force at Saratoga. Her earnings of $10,235,322 last year nearly doubled her previous high of $5,558,777 set the year before.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication. We’re just keeping on steadily, and it’s been paying off,” she said. “We’re putting the horse first and doing what’s right and just hope the trajectory stays the same.”

The Saratoga Springs, N.Y., native believes she is well positioned for the 40-day meet, which opens Thursday and extends through Labor Day.

“We’re pretty well-rounded. We have a lot of exciting stakes horses, a lot of exciting young horses and a lot in between,” said DeVaux. “Hopefully, it’s a nice, safe meet for everybody.”

In a sign of her recent success, her operation includes 50 juveniles, her largest 2-year-old class to date. “It’s exciting. You can dream about any of them,” she said. “They can come from anywhere.”

DeVaux provided updates on some of her top runners and her top prospects as part of Horse Racing Nation’s Barn Tour series:

She Feels Pretty. The 4-year-old Karakontie filly undoubtedly is the queen of the barn. She aims for her fifth consecutive victory in Saturday’s Grade 1 $500,000 Diana and will take some beating in the 1 1/8-mileeighth contest. She has won her only two starts at nine furlongs. Her winning streak coincides with the addition of blinkers. She most recently captured the New York Stakes (G1) on June 6. Before that, she set the record for nine furlongs on the turf at Churchill Downs, clocking 1:45.51 in the Modesty (G3) in her season debut for Lael Stables. “She’s been a great filly since the beginning," DeVaux said. "She really hasn’t ever thrown in a bad race. We just take it race by race with her, but she’s sitting on go and we look forward to getting her out there for sure.”

So Sandy. This $535,000 yearling purchase has been a project on behalf of Lael Stables, but this 3-year-old son of Omaha Beach is finally showing signs of coming around. He broke his maiden on his fifth attempt on May 15, accomplishing that at Horseshoe Indianapolis, and followed that with a two-length score in an allowance optional claiming race on June 28 at Churchill Downs. Up next: the listed Curlin Stakes on July 24 at Saratoga.

Vahva. Do not look for this accomplished 5-year-old Gun Runner mare, a winner of seven of 17 starts, to make a Spa appearance. She remained in Kentucky after taking the Chicago Stakes (G2) on June 21 at Churchill Downs. “She historically doesn’t like the track (at Saratoga) so we’re going to point her toward something a little less ambitious. She’ll stay in Kentucky and train.” Vahva wound up third in last year’s Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga.

Reagan’s Wit. This 3-year-old Authentic colt is eligible to rebound after nothing went his way in the July 4 Manila (G3) and he came in sixth. He leaned out at the start, bumping another runner. He was not particularly responsive to jockey Jose Ortiz, tugging him around and never quite settling into a good rhythm. He may get a shot at redemption in the Aug. 1 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2).

Dr. Agne. Sired by Into Mischief out of Lady Eli, the 2-year-old colt certainly has the pedigree to succeed and the looks. He was purchased for $185,000 at Keeneland’s September yearling sale by Madaket Stables, Twin Brook Stables and Belladonna Racing. He's the morning-line favorite in a maiden special weight Friday. “He’s training very well. He’s an exciting prospect.”

Nymue. She is certain to draw a great deal of attention as the final foal of the great mare Zenyatta. She is not expected to debut at Saratoga. In her lone work, the War Front juvenile covered three furlongs in 39.64 seconds. DeVaux: “We just let her do a leg stretcher once, and that was quite impressive. Her leg-stretching gallop is what other horses work at. That was inspiring.”