Bird Song posts half-mile bullet in advance of Vanderbilt
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Marylou Whitney Stable's homebred Bird Song posted a half-mile bullet work over the Saratoga main track Saturday morning, covering the distance in a sharp 47.33 seconds ahead of his likely start in the Grade 1, $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap on July 29.
The fastest of 99 at the distance, the 4-year-old son of Unbridled's Song went a quarter-mile in 12 1/5 seconds and a half in 23 4/5, according to NYRA clockers. He galloped out five eighths in 1:00 flat.
"I was very pleased with the work," said trainer Ian Wilkes. "He worked really good this morning. He did it on his own and he did it very easily. He's just naturally a fast horse."
Bird Song will shorten up to the Vanderbilt's six-furlong distance for the first time since winning an allowance race in July 2016 at the Spa. The gray colt has tested out longer two-turn distances this spring, including the Grade 2 Alysheba at 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs, where he posted a 1 ½-length, front-running victory on May 5.
"I think he's going to be a one-turn horse," said Wilkes. "This may be a little too short for him but I'll try it. He's won going two but I think his strength is going to be around one turn."
* * *
The popular Low Roller Challenge presented by NYRA Bets returns on Sunday, July 23, at Saratoga Race Course. Held Sundays and Mondays in the Lower Carousel near the Fourstardave Sports Bar, the Low Roller Challenge gives horseplayers the opportunity to experience tournament play for a nominal fee.
Entry into the contest is $40, with $30 going towards the player's live bankroll and $10 towards the prize pool. Players may submit up to two entries per contest. Registration for the Low Roller Challenge opens at 11:00 a.m.
Also on Sunday, racing fans will enjoy the first giveaway of the Saratoga season - a red and white Saratoga Race Course baseball cap - presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Season pass and season ticket plan-holders are guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway item on the day of the giveaway contingent on the following: Season pass or season ticket plan holders must be in attendance at Saratoga Race Course (enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines) and redeem the giveaway by 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public.
Source: NYRA Communications
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