2nd-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 6-7, 3yo/up, 7f, 1:23.66, sy, head.
STARS AND STRIDES (c, 3, American Pharoah–Holiday Blues, by Ghostzapper), a first-time starter tackling several more experienced rivals here, went off at 8-1 and opted to rate mid pack as longshot Henry's Hope (Maclean's Music) set a contested tempo with 3-5 race favorite Mainstream (Speightstown) sitting second. Beginning to pick up the bridle midway around the turn, Stars and Strides dove inside at the quarter pole under Junior Alvarado to engage Mainsteam who took over the front momentarily. The pair dueled into the final furlong with Stars and Strides gutsy even in a tight spot against the fence and the race favorite refusing to yield outside even as contact was made close to the wire. The stewards took a look at the stretch run but ultimately made no change leaving Stars and Strides the winner by a head with a further 6 1/2 lengths back to Secured Lender (Omaha Beach) in third. Holiday Blues, who produced Panther Island (Speightstown), SW, $254,120 as her first foal and is a half-sister to MSW/GISP Wine Police (Speightstown), went through the ring this year at KEEJAN in foal to Arcangelo on a final bid of $210,000 to Maytime Bloodstock. Her 2-year-old Frosted filly brought $220,000 at KEESEP last year while her yearling Maxfield colt sold for $100,000 at KEENOV. She reported an Arcangelo filly this spring. Sales History: $160,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $475,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Pin Oak Stud LLC; B-Four Pillars Holdings LLC (KY); T-William I. Mott.
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