Bill Mott considering Ron The Greek, Flat Out, and To Honor And Serve for the Whitney Handicap
Trainer Bill Mott is considering running three of his best runners for the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap, scheduled to take place at Saratoga on 4th August, 2012.
So far, the trainer has decided on Ron The Greek, Flat Out, and To Honor and Serve to cover the distance of 1 1/8 miles for a purse of $750,000.
Each of these runners has the credentials to take on this race, and the trainer has chosen this because of its dirt surface. Bill Mott told the press that:
“I’m not really overthinking it,” Mott further told the press that “I’ll nominate Flat Out, Ron the Greek, and To Honor and Serve and I hope I have one of them ready to run by then. And if they’re all ready, all three might run.”
There are not enough options for the trainer, as he said that he doesn’t know where else to go with his runners.
Other than the Whitney Handicap, the other option is Grade 3 $150,000, Philip Iselin at Monmouth, due to take place on 18th
August, 2012.
The trainer was pleased with Flat Out’s performance, as he finished as a runner-up to Rule in the Grade 2 Monmouth Cup over 1 mile.
He landed a solid finish, 1 ½ lengths after the winner. The trainer appreciated this and, said that this is the direction the son of Flatter might be taken in.
Mott was disappointed with the way To Honor And Serve performed in the Grade 2 Suburban Handicap on 7th July, 2012.
The four-year-old colt could not justify his status of race favourite and, finished in fourth place. Regarding this, the trainer stated:
“I don’t think he acted right in the paddock,” Mott commented. “He was a little agitated.”
There is a possibility that Rule and Flat Out might collide in the Whitney Handicap since trainer Todd Pletcher is considering this as an option.
Pletcher might also be represented by Stay Thirsty, who is owned by Mike Repole. He stood fifth in the Suburban Handicap but, will soon be shipped to Saratoga to compete in this mega-event.
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