Doors open for Poseidon’s Warrior after surprise victory in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap
After upsetting the competition and defeating heavy favourite, Shackleford, in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga, Poseidon’s Warrior has to prove that it was just a fluke.
The Dale Romans trained, Shackleford, did not perform well due to two reasons, the first that the surface of the track was muddy, and the second that he was running on the six furlong distance for the first time.
These two things spelled disaster for the 4-year-old, but it opened up a great opportunity for the long-shot who had slim chances of winning and no one expected much from him anyway.
Now that the Swilcan Stable owned won and defied his 36-1 odds, his connections can’t wait to sign him up for bigger races.
Chances are that the four-year-old will face off with Shackleford again when they lock horns in the Grade 1, $500,000 Forego Stakes at Saratoga on 1st
September, 2012, which will cover a distance of seven furlongs.
The son of Speightstown foaled by Smarten mare Poised To Pounce, proved that he has the ability to take on the race, but the connections are nervous about the seven furlong distance.
They don’t want to take the runner out of his comfort zone.
Trainer Robert ‘Butch’ Reid told the press that:
"He might go in the Forego."
The handler further stated:
"We're a little hesitant because he likes three-quarters (of a mile)."
The trainer’s concerns are not groundless, as the runner has fallen short of expectations, when taking on seven furlongs.
With rider Frankie Pennington on his back, he finished fourth in the seven furlong long Philmont Stakes at Parx Racing on 26th April, 2011.
He also competed in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop Stakes at Saratoga over the same distance with Pennington again, and finished a dismal sixth.
Time and time again, he has shown greater aptitude at six furlongs since six of his seven victories took place at that distance.
Due to the fact that, he upset the race favourite and claimed the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, more opportunities have opened up for the older division runner. He can now add to his 7-2-2 record in 17 starts and make it more impressive.
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