Sadler’s Joy rolls right on by in the Sword Dancer

While a duel for the lead took place up front in the $1 million, Grade 1 Sword Dancer, jockey Julien Leparoux took his time with Sadler’s Joy, going from last to first to win by half a length.

Although Sadler’s Joy didn’t break sharp, the colt still managed to provide trainer Tom Albertrani with his first win of the Saratoga meet.

“At the beginning, he kind of propped leaving there and Julien said he didn’t know what happened.” Albertrani said. “He kind of just stalled on the break and then when he got going he felt really happy with the place he was in and felt that the pace was honest and he didn’t panic and just waited for the right moment to push the button.”

Right from the beginning, 31-1 longshot Frank Conversation and European invader Idaho fought back and forth throughout the 1 ½-miles turf event. Erupt, Bigger Picture, Money Multiplier, and Hunter O’Riley followed in pursuit, with Sadler’s Joy bringing up the rear.

The field was content to let the two front runners battle through fractions of :24.42, :49.17, 1:14.19, 1:38.52, and 2:01.90. A fight was still carrying on when the field turned for home, but the two soon folded as Money Multiplier and Bigger Picture were set down for the drive.

Bigger Picture and Jose Ortiz were the first to take over, but Money Multiplier and Javier Castellano were right on their heels, quickly becoming the new leaders. Erupt tried to make a bid as well, but flattened as Sadler’s Joy and Leparoux came rolling down the middle of the track.

Money Multiplier had just gained the lead when Sadler’s Joy ran down the 2-1 favorite, stopping the clock in 2:24.58.

Leparoux felt that his winning mount spooked at the break, but still put in a confident ride.

“He ran a big race and he’s a good horse,” Leparoux said, “and he’s one I think we will hear from even more for the rest of the year.”

Money Multiplier finished a nose in front of Bigger Picture. Hunter O’Riley got up for fourth, followed by Erupt, Idaho, and Frank Conversation.

At 7-1, Sadler’s Joy paid $16.00, $5.50, and $3.80. Money Multiplier delivered $3.90 and $2.90 to place, and Bigger Picture, also 7-1, returned $3.60

Woodslane Farm owns and bred Sadler’s Joy, a 4-year-old colt by Kitten’s Joy and out of Dynaire, by Dynaformer. The Sword Dancer was his first Grade 1 win and boosts his race record to 5-1-3 from 12 starts. His earnings now total $1,002,968.

Albertrani is already eyeing another Grade 1 race for his new millionaire.

“Most likely the [Grade 1 $500,000 Joe Hirsch] Turf Classic at Belmont Park [on September 30].”

By Christine Oser