Fort Larned earns a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic after a massive upset in the Whitney Handicap
Trainer Ian Wilkes expressed his delight when his longshot Fort Larned romped to victory in the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga. This was the first Grade 1 victory for the son of E Dubai, who is ready for bigger and better challenges.
Expressing his delight with the Kentucky bred colt’s success and his career-high 110 Beyer speed figure, the trainer said:
“He ran hard; he’s a little tired. But he’s happy, although not as happy as I am.”
With this victory, the four-year-old has earned a spot in the Grade 1, $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park on 3rd November, 2012, where his stamina will be tested since he will be moving from a distance of 1
1/8 miles to 1 1/4 miles.
The handler isn’t concerned about the distance, but appears to be more concerned about the competition his colt will face as he told the media that:
“The 1 ¼ miles I don’t think will be a problem,” Wilkes said. “The only thing is, we have to go to California, which is Baffert territory.”
Before going to Santa Anita, Wilkes wants to take his charge to compete in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.
Being at 1 1/8 miles, the runner will feel at home and fit right in. Wilkes hasn’t made a decision yet, but chances are that this will be his next race.
Regarding this, he said:
“The Woodward (gr. I on Sept. 1) is possible, but we have to think about how to get to the Classic and work backwards.” The trainer said he will only run Fort Larned if he is in the right form.
The Janis R. Whitham owned runner now has earnings worth $881,236 and in 17 starts, maintained an overall 7-2-0 record.
Foaled by Broad Brush mare Arlucea, the bay colt is in good shape. On 30th June, 2012, Fort Larned downed the Grade 3 Cornhusker Handicap, where he dominated the 1 1/8 mile track and defeated, Successful Dan, in
1 minute and 47.42 seconds.
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