Saratoga: Bauer says he has the talent to ‘take some shots’

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Trainer Phil Bauer always looks forward to competing at Saratoga’s summer meet. This year more than ever.

Bauer and his wife, Ashley, were among nine passengers who now refer to themselves as the “miracle nine.” They survived the crash of their small private plane as they were returning home from a vacation at Lizard Island, Australia.

Other passengers included their hosts, owner Richard Rigney and wife Tammy, as well as prominent bloodstock adviser John Moynihan. Engine failure forced an emergency landing. All somehow escaped without major injury.

“Very fortunate that the plane held together well enough to keep us all alive,” said Bauer, 39.

The crash served as a powerful reality check. “We count our blessings every day. Glad we could make it home to all of our kids,” he said. “We realize how truly lucky we are.” Bauer and Ashley have three children, Wyatt, 10; Lincoln, 9, and Caroline, 7.

Saratoga has never felt so sweet to Bauer, a private trainer for the Rigneys since 2013. “There is a special feel to the mornings here, and then there are the races themselves,” he said. “As a race fan, it’s fun to see.”

A quick start to the Saratoga meet only added to the Louisville native’s enthusiasm. Of his first three starters, he sandwiched victories by Warrior Johny and Princess Madison around a runner-up effort by Mighty Madison. They are part of a 14-horse string that could make some noise at the iconic upstate New York track.

“We think the horses are talented enough and that they belong,” Bauer said. “We’ll take some shots.”

Bauer provided updates on his string at Saratoga.

Angkor. There is much to like about this 6-year-old gelding by Anchor Down. He’s cracked the top three in eight of his last nine starts. His overall record stands at 23: 4-6-6 with earnings of $480,195. Bauer: “He’s a nice older gelding for us. He’ll either run in the Vanderbilt (six furlongs, July 27) or the Forego (seven furlongs, Aug. 24).” Both are Grade 1s.

Buchu. The homebred daughter of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify could not quite make the grade when she ran sixth in the July 6 Belmont Oaks (G1) at Aqueduct. The result was lacking, not the effort. Bauer: “She’s a nice little 3-year-old turf filly. She always brings her race. We just need for her to improve a little bit to get a top-notch win.”

Two Sharp. Rigney stepped up by lavishing $925,000 on this Twirling Candy filly at Keeneland’s September yearling sale. No one would be surprised if she breaks her maiden at Saratoga. She placed second going six furlongs June 29 at Churchill Downs in an auspicious debut. “She should move forward off of that effort,” Bauer said. “We are looking forward to trying her again.”

Mighty Madison. A 4-year-old Nyquist filly named as a salute to the Rigney’s daughter, Madison, she was barely run down by a neck July 14 in a seven-furlong allowance optional claimer. She is another one who Bauer is eager to run back.

Princess Madison. A 3-year-old chestnut filly by crack sprinter Speightstown, surging Princess Madison has put together back-to-back wins. She was geared down when she broke her maiden by 7 1/4 lengths at six furlongs June 8 at Churchill Downs. She turned in a polished effort in capturing a six-furlong allowance July 19 at the Spa in her fourth career start.

Warrior Johny. This 5-year-old Cairo Prince gelding made opening day special for the barn when he rolled by four lengths in an allowance optional claimer despite being bumped at the break and checked. The connections look forward to running him back later in the meet.

Xigera. This multiple graded-stakes winner has been a puzzle. She comes off a disappointing fifth-place finish in the June 29 Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs. More was expected of the 4-year-old daughter of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist. She is training up to the Aug. 23 Personal Ensign (G1). “It’s been a little difficult to get her back to top form," Bauer said, “so we’re going to take a deep breath and give her plenty of time into the next one and make sure we’re rarin’ to go.”