New York-bred Runaway Lute (Midnight Lute), winner of his two starts to date by a combined 20 3/4 lengths, drilled five-eighths of a mile in 1:01.20 Friday beneath former jockey Nick Santagate. Though he is nominated to the GII Saratoga Special S. Aug. 14, he will pass that event in favor of the GI Hopeful S. on closing day of the meet Sept. 5.
Bet off the board in his May 28 bow at Belmont Park, the dark bay colt scampered away to graduate by a dozen lengths and most recently added an 8 3/4-length success in the July 16 Rockville Centre S. in which he broke tardily and lost a shoe. Friday's move was his first since that latter effort.
“It took me about two weeks to get the tenderness out of that foot,” trainer Gary Contessa explained. “So, [Friday's] work was just supposed to be a maintenance work. It was way more than I expected, but he did it while under a stranglehold.
“Runaway Lute does everything so easy,” Contessa continued. “I tell Santagata on the walkie-talkie, 'Nick, sit.' He's got his feet [on the dashboard], and the horse goes :12, :24, :36, and 1:01, and Nick never turned his head loose. That's how good this horse is right now.”
Contessa confirmed that there have been several would-be buyers for Runaway Lute, but the for-sale sign is not out.
“Harold told me not to entertain any [offers],” Contessa said. “I think Harold is enjoying himself with this horse, so no offers, and that is great by me.”
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