Kimmel points Saratoga winner Famished to Champagne Stakes

Following a maiden victory at second asking on Saturday, trainer John Kimmel is considering the Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne on October 5 at Belmont Park for Famished, who graduated at second asking going seven furlongs over the Saratoga main track.

Owned by Tobey Morton, the Ontario-bred son of Uncle Mo was third in his career debut behind impressive maiden winner Tumbling Sky.

"If everything shapes up well, we'll aim for the Champagne," Kimmel said. "It looks like the way he finished (Saturday) he has the ability to go even further. The track is a bit deeper...

"For him to give a good, sustained finish is a good indication that he's going to carry himself a little further."

Kimmel has enjoyed success with his younger horses this meet. Earlier in the week, he saddled Crystalle to victory in the P.G. Johnson.

"You can thank the owners," Kimmel said. "They had the confidence in me to pick these horses out and I'm really glad that they're showing up for them this summer because I had been telling them that I think they would have a good campaign into the fall and next year."

Perhaps Kimmel's best youngster is yet to come. Mandatory, by American Pharoah, is a half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winner I'm a Chatterbox.

Mandatory was purchased by Morton for $400,000 from the Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in April.

"He's getting very close to the races. He has the looks of a colt with a very nice future," Kimmel said. "He'll work from the gate Monday and if everything goes well, we'll look to find a race for him in the next couple of weeks."