Theitalianamerican a bargain Sanford Stakes contender for Contessa

Monty Foss and John Moirano's Theitalianamerican, a bay son of Girolamo bred in New York by McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds and Spruce Lance Farm, has rallied to complete the exacta in both of his career starts.

Last out, he earned a 57 Beyer Speed Figure when closing from last of seven in the 5 1/2-furlong Tremont, won by Fore Left.

"John Moirano named him. He's an Italian American and Girolamo has roots in Italian history," said trainer Gary Contessa, who purchased the ridgling for $30,000 at the March OBS sale of 2-year-olds. "...I normally don't like to buy huge horses, but this is a huge horse. He's 17 hands. He's a very talented athlete and I bought him rather inexpensively.

"He worked a quarter-mile in 21 flat at the sale. From day one, he's acted and trained like a good horse. He's a New York-bred and certainly exceeded my expectations."

Theitalianamerican is still eligible for a straight maiden race, including the recently-launched Maiden Allowance Auction Series, which are restricted to horses that went through the ring for $45,000 or less at their most recent auction, and will be offered in the first condition book of the Saratoga meet for purses of $75,000. The Maiden Allowance Auction Series also includes up to $13,500 in New York Breeding Fund open company owners awards for New York-breds finishing first-through-third.

But Contessa and the connections are considering both the $100,000 Rick Violette, a six-furlong sprint on July 17 restricted to New York-breds, and the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford, a six-furlong sprint onr July 13.

Theitalianamerican breezed four furlongs in 48.87 on the Saratoga dirt training track on June 19.

"Rather than the Violette, we may go to the Sanford instead," Contessa said. "I could have the only closer in a race that's usually full of speed. This one certainly knows how to rate."