Turbulent Descent cruises to victory in the Grade 1 Test Stakes for trainer Mike Puype
The 3-year-old Mike Puype trained filly, Turbulent Descent, cruised to an easy victory in the 86th running of the Grade 1 $250,000 Test Stakes.
The Saratoga fixture was of much significance, especially for trainer Mike Puype and his filly Turbulent Descent who described the race as “resume” race for his 3-year-old star.
Owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Turbulent Descent traveled from trainer Mike Puype’s base at Del Mar to Saratoga on the east coast in search of greatness.
The daughter of Congrats, did not disappoint her trainer as she put up an electrifying performance in the seven furlong Test to win at the Saratoga racecourse in impressive manner.
In the field of eight, the filly under her regular jockey David Flores set up Turbulent Descent in the fourth place, and was quite content to keep off the pace and tracked leaders on the outside.
The 3-year-old Michael Hushion trained filly, Roman Treasure jumped out of the gates and bumped with American Lady. Despite the bump, Roman Treasure bolted past everyone and assumed the leaders position straight away.
Roman Treasure set up fast fractions of 23.02 seconds in quarter mile and a fast half mile at 45.85 seconds. With 4 ½ lengths back, Turbulent Descent was right there in touching distance of the leader’s, comfortably settled in the fourth place.
The pace of the race was not that fast, and it appeared as if the pair was lagging behind too much, and they were going to be a little further back for a late surge. Lack of pace helped Flores as he put Turbulent Descent in the best spot.
Around the half mile mark, there was nobody to challenge David Flores, as the jockey pointed his filly to run and she responded. It was as if David Flores was letting Turbulent Descent be herself, without any strings attached she sprinted away and closed
in the gap rapidly.
Out of Roger’s Sue by Forestry, Turbulent Descent under a brisk hand ride tore past her rivals for an easy win.
The Grade 1 Prioress Stakes' winner, Her Smile, didn’t threat anyone as she finished fourth.
Pomeroy’s Pistol's ride, Velasquez, tried the same approach as David Flores but he couldn’t execute it like he did and at the end he ran out of ground to keep up with the rest.
Turbulent Descent earned a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint to be held at Churchill Downs on 4 November, 2011.
The filly is in line to win herself an Eclipse award if she continues her form, because she is coming off two wins and two runner up positions prior to the Test Stakes, and will look to win the Breeders’ Cup fixture in November.
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