Goldy Espony Steals G3 Fasig-Tipton Waya

Under a patient ride by jockey Kendrick Carmouche, Goldy Espony earned her first graded stakes win in North America and third consecutive victory of the year going wire-to-wire to capture the Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Breaking from the rail, the 4-year-old gray filly, trained by Chad Brown for Swift Thoroughbreds Inc. and Bradley Thoroughbreds, was hustled to the lead, setting moderate fractions of 25.03 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 50.79 for the half, and 1:16.54 for six fourlongs closely stalked by stablemate and post-time favorite Danza Cavallo. Turning for home, Eastern Belle, Kitten's Point and Evidently made their run toward the leader but Goldy Espony extended away in the stretch to secure the victory by 3 ¼ lengths, completing the 1 ½ miles in 2:29.04

"My filly was nice and relaxed," said Carmouche.  "She loves to run on the lead. I was fortunate enough to slow her down a little, where she could have kept running. She just accelerated at the eighth pole, she's an unbelievable horse. It's such a good feeling when you come to the top of the lane. It's easiest to go to the lead with her because she loves it more."

Returning $11.20 for a $2 win wager, the victory increased Goldy Espony's career earnings to $402,628 for her connections. Pleased with the performance, Brown was hoping to point her next to the Grade 3 $200,000 Glens Falls on Saturday, September 5 at the Spa.

"Those fractions were so easy early that she turned it into a sprint home," said Brown. "She's a filly with a lot of quality that if you give her a head start, she's going to be tough to run down. More than likely, [she'll go in] the Glens Falls on the closing weekend of the meet. She's already up here and has shown an affinity for the course."

Holding on for second was Eastern Belle, followed by White Rose, Evidently, Kitten's Point, Queen's Parade, Hellenistic, Cat's Claw, Chat, Danza Cavallo, and Nice Number. Selenite was scratched.

Source: NYRA Communications (Najja Thompson)