Shortening the distance of the Jaipur Stakes (G1) did not lessen trainers’ and owners’ enthusiasm for the turf sprint Saturday at Saratoga on the Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard.
The race attracted an overflow field of 16 with starters limited to 12. That put Grooms All Bizness, Outlaw Kid, American Monarch, and Souper Quest on the also-eligible list. They need defections from the lineup to make the race.
The Jaipur is traditionally a 6-furlong turf race at Belmont Park. With that track undergoing renovation, the Belmont Stakes and all supporting events have transferred to Saratoga this weekend.
Cogburn. Coady Photo.
Cogburn has won four of his last five starts
Just as the Belmont Stakes had to be shortened from 1 1/2 miles to 1 1/4 miles to accommodate the surface configuration at Saratoga, the Jaipur also underwent a trimming to 5 1/2 furlongs. It should make for an exciting dash for $500,000 in purse money and a guaranteed spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) in November at Del Mar.
Any discussion of the race starts with Cogburn, the 2-1 favorite ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. for trainer Steve Asmussen.
The 5-year-old has already scored a win over the course, capturing Troy Stakes (G3) last August. This will be his second start of the season, following a decisive win in the Turf Sprint (G2) on the Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard at Churchill Downs.
Cogburn is a deserving favorite with a record of 7-2-0 in 13 starts. In a large field like this, it often pays to shop for value. We think we have uncovered some in the Charlie Appleby-trained duo of Star of Mystery, a 3-year-old filly taking on the boys at 6-1, and Mischief Magic, a Breeders’ Cup winner as a Juvenile, at 8-1 from the outside post.
Fans of American turf racing are increasingly aware of Appleby and his considerable recent success targeting our grass stakes from his base in England.
Star of Mystery and Mischief Magic are homebred for Godolphin Racing, and both scored stakes wins over the winter at Meydan in Dubai. Both are battle-tested on the international stage and should prove formidable against the domestic competition.
The picks: 1 Mischief Magic 2 Cogburn 3 Star of Mystery