Digital Age's 'time is now' after rallying American Turf win

Klaravich Stables’ Digital Age remained undefeated as he posted a three-quarters of a length victory over A Thread of Blue to win the 28th running of the $400,000 American Turf (G2) for 3-year-olds.

Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Digital Age covered the 1 1/16 miles on the Matt Winn Turf Course in 1:44.63.

It is the second time Brown and Ortiz have teamed to win the American Turf, having scored in 2016 with Camelot Kitten. Brown also won the race in 2013 with Noble Tune. 

"He was stuck on the inside of the turf course, which is a double-edged sword," Brown said of Digital Age. "You want to save ground in these turf races, but clearly the outside of the turf course is a little bit better. I was just hoping Irad found good ground, and he did a good job of it.

"You’ve got to respect this horse, he knows where the wire is. He knows when to kick and he can get there in time. We bought him as a yearling at Newmarket. We just took our time getting him to the races. He had a few baby issues, but the owners were real patient. His time is now.”  

The victory was worth $228,160 and improved his bankroll to $284,760 with three victories in three starts.

Digital Age is an Irish-bred son of Invincible Spirit (IRE) out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Willow View.

“I got a perfect trip. I saved ground and when I wanted to tip him out I tipped him out and he just exploded. He's a nice horse. He gets better and better every time he runs."

Digital Age returned $19.20, $8.60 and $5.40. A Thread of Blue, ridden by Luis Saez, returned $4.80 and $3.20 and finished a head in front of Social Paranoia who paid $3.60 to show under Manny Franco.

It was another three-quarters of a length back to Seismic Wave with War Film, Avie's Flatter, The Black Album (FR), Henley’s Joy, Casa Creed, Louder Than Bombs, Marquee Prince, Forever Mo and Weekly Callfollowing in order.