Cannizzo Makes a Big Splash at Saratoga

Trainer David Cannizzo made a huge splash at the onset of the Saratoga meet by winning two races on Saturday, which also happened to be the day before his wedding.

Cannizzo, who will be married to veterinarian Carolyn Kondra on Sunday afternoon in Saratoga, struck first with Sol the Freud in Saturday's second race, a New York-bred allowance race.

"Back to the dirt, back to Saratoga," said Cannizzo, attributing those factors to Sol the Freud's win. "He loves this track. I gave him the layoff, and truthfully, he wasn't ready. I gave him two races on the grass, and this was the plan, to win at Saratoga. Hopefully we'll get him back in a two-other-than and go from there."

Three races after Sol the Freud broke through, Cannizzo saddled the salty veteran Sam Sparkle to victory in Saturday's fifth, a $50,000 claiming race.

"I've always liked [Sam Sparkle] from the day he broke his maiden," said Cannizzo. "I was waiting for him to be in for a tag for about three years. I was patient."

Cannizzo was nonchalant about his plans for the day on Sunday morning, just a handful of hours before his wedding.

"Go home, relax, and get married. Great way to kick off the meet," said Cannizzo.