Special Relativity tests perfect Saratoga record in Ballerina
M and M Racing's Special Relativity, a perfect 4-for-4 at Saratoga, will make her graded stakes debut in the Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina on Travers Day.
Trained by Robertino Diodoro, the 4-year-old Cowboy Cal bay is a veteran of 20 career starts with a record of 7-3-3. The talented filly has raced, and won, twice at the current meet including a last-out score in the Shine Again at the seven-furlong Ballerina distance.
Diodoro said Special Relativity seems to be more relaxed at Saratoga.
"I think it's a little bit of the atmosphere here. Most horses do like it at Saratoga, but she's a little high-strung, and maybe she just likes the country atmosphere where we're stabled on the Oklahoma side," said Diodoro. "There's lots of trees and grass and she can graze at feed time. Other places aren't set up like Saratoga is, but a few of those things are certainly to her benefit.
"She also likes the deeper track," added Diodoro. "She works well over it in the mornings and her record at Saratoga speaks for itself."
Diodoro said Special Relativity, who earned a career-best 86 Beyer Speed Figure for her Shine Again win, is racing to her excellent training efforts in the morning.
"She ran exactly the way she was training into it," said Diodoro. "She trained and worked her best going into that race and she ran one of her best races for us. All horses, but I think especially on the female side, when you get them on track and have talent, they have a tendency to get on a bit of a roll.
"She's on a roll right now," continued Diodoro. "Her weight is good. Her coat looks great, and we couldn't ask for her to be feeling any better. She's a mare that loves her job and likes to train."
Claimed for $50,000 out of a winning effort on May 19, 2018 at Churchill Downs, Special Relativity has now won five races for new connections.
Diodoro said a solid pace expected in the Ballerina would play to SpecialRelativity's strengths as she makes her Grade 1 debut under regular pilot David Cohen.
"Her best running style is when there's some speed in there and she can settle in behind," said Diodoro. "Hopefully, we get a little bit of racing luck and Cohen can get her out and run them down."