Saratoga 2023: Rick Dutrow has big plans for new lineup

Elmont, N.Y.

Rick Dutrow Jr.’s comeback plan from a 10-year suspension involves establishing full barns in New York and Kentucky. The controversial trainer is finding that easier said than done.

Although the New York phase of his operation has rapidly grown to 37 horses since his return to Belmont Park on April 4, he has been unable to obtain stalls in Kentucky to capitalize on that state’s strong purse structure.

“I understand they’ve got some things happening there, and there are a lot of people who have been there forever,” Dutrow said. “But still, I want to get in action there.”

Veteran racing secretary Ben Huffman emphasized that the issue has nothing to do with Dutrow’s past. He hopes to accommodate him “sooner rather than later.”

Said Huffman: “When he got licensed in Kentucky and started showing interest, we had already allotted stalls. We’re full.”

Huffman added, “The demand for stalls is at the highest level we’ve ever seen it.”

Despite a litany of transgressions, Dutrow’s resume also boasts significant accomplishments. He trained 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown. Saint Liam captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic and secured horse of the year honors under his watch in 2005. He produced 25 Grade 1 winners from 2002 to 2012.

Dutrow won with his first starter after he returned when New York-bred Prince of Pharoahs prevailed May 6 at Belmont Park. With the action shifting to Saratoga, he took a record of 18: 2-6-3 to upstate New York with him. His earnings stood at $340,238.

Dutrow, 63, did not raise the matter of his inability to branch out to Kentucky, and he was not complaining. He was merely responding to questions about the matter.

He and Huffman are continuing to communicate with an eye toward making something happen in the autumn. “He’s trying to get us in there the right way. Right now, it isn’t happening, and right now I have Saratoga in front of me,” the trainer said. “I have to pay more attention to that than I do to getting stalls in Kentucky for now.”

In terms of numbers, Dutrow has made impressive progress in reaching 37 runners so quickly. Many of his previous owners have returned, eager to be back in action with him. He views Saratoga as a fertile claiming ground and hopes to continue his expansion there.

“We’re looking for more,” he said. “We’re looking for a lot more.”

Dutrow intends to scrutinize every claiming race every day since owners, in their desire to win at Saratoga, tend to be aggressive in their placement of horses. Multiple trainers often are involved in shakes when certain claiming horses are available.

“We’ll probably get 15-20 starts up there,” Dutrow said, “and that’s a great thing for our stable to have so many in such a short time.”

White Abarrio leads his roster of talent. Although the former Florida Derby (G1) winner had been under Dutrow’s care for only two-and-a-half weeks, he finished a solid third in the June 10 Met Mile (G1).

“I loved it. He showed up, and I was so happy that he did,” Dutrow said. “We see that he’s got his best running ahead of him. He’s just a 4-year-old, and we’re zeroing in on what he’s good at.

“He likes plenty of time between his races. He’s probably better going one turn. So we’re learning more and more about him. His sheet line is just an amazing sheet line. It shows you on his Ragozin line that he has a future. We’re looking ahead with him, and we’re seeing a good scenario.”

Immediate plans call for the gray son of Race Day to start in the Aug. 26 Forego at Saratoga. “We like what’s happening with our horse, and we are very confident he is going to run a big race next time,” Dutrow said of the seven-furlong Grade 1 contest.

Master Piece is another talented member of the barn. He is bound for the 1 3/8-mile Bowling Green (G2) on July 30. “We just love him,” the trainer said. “It makes our day when we get to see him every day.”

Timbuktu also may assert himself at Saratoga. He comes off an impressive 2 3/4-length score in a starter allowance race at Belmont on July 1.

Dutrow hopes other runners will prove themselves to be hard-knocking sorts. “The 9 to 5’s who make the game go, we’ll be up there with them and we’re happy to do it,” he said. “We can’t wait, actually.”