Stall Expects Big Things From Sign

Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider’s Sign was nothing short of dominant in her 11 ¾-length victory at Saratoga in her career debut and trainer Al Stall Jr. is hoping for a similar performance from the bay daughter of Pulpit in Sunday’s $150,000-added Pocahontas (Grade II).

“She was training really well and we thought she had a chance, but didn’t expect her to win like that,” Stall said. “Her win was exciting and certainly gives us hope coming into the (Pocahontas).”

Sign, the 5-2 favorite on Mike Battaglia’s morning line, will be coming off a two-month layoff in the Pocahontas.

“She was at Keeneland before going to Saratoga and we thought she trained better on the dirt (at Saratoga) than on the Polytrack (at Keeneland),” Stall said. “We decided to keep her on the dirt, so we skipped Turfway and Keeneland and pointed to Churchill.

“She came to Churchill right after her race at Saratoga, so she’s comfortable in her surroundings. She’s doing well and training nicely.”

Sign was guided in her maiden score by Rosie Napravnik, who will be back in the irons for the Pocahontas.