Winter Memories secures a massive victory in the Diana Stakes at Saratoga
Winter Memories excelled and exhibited what she is made of, when she bolted through the Grade 1, $600,000 Diana Stakes at Saratoga on 28th July, 2012.
Coupled with rider Javier Castellano, the filly completed the 1 1/8-mile course in style and went home with her head held high.
Trained by James Toner, the grey filly finished 1 ½ lengths ahead of the runner-up, Dream Peace, whereas the third place was secured by Zagora, who was racing to defend her title, mounted by Ramon Dominguez.
The fourth, fifth and sixth place were taken by Tapitsfly, Hungry Island, and Law of The Range, respectively.
Winter Memories justified her status as race favourite, and used the turf track well to her advantage.
The pace of the race was set by Tapitsfly, who was closely followed by Law Of The Range and Zagora. Tapitsfly completed the first quarter in 23.31 seconds and crossed the half-mile mark in 47.56 seconds with rider Joel Rosario on her back.
Winter Memories, daughter of El Prado, out of mare Memories of Silver, hung in fourth place, and did not make a move until it was absolutely necessary.
She moved to the outside after the first turn, at this point Tapitsfly was still in the lead and crossed the six-furlong mark in 1 minute and 11.27 seconds.
As the pace-setter slowed, Winter Memories took the chance and took the lead. She clocked in 1 minute and 48.50 seconds. Regarding this race, James Toner told the press that:
“I think we were closer due to the way the race was shaping up. I just left it in Javier (Castellano’s) hands and said, ‘Just do what you want to do, but I wouldn’t let (Tapitsfly) get too far away from us today.’”
Tapitsfly’s performance did not match the calibre of his performance in the Grade 1 Just A Game Stakes at Belmont Park in June, 2012, where she succeeded and defeated, Winter Memories.
The winning jockey, Javier Castellano, was pleased with the way the race turned out as he said:
“It worked out great. It was amazing. She was able to cover up. She was able to finish so well today.”
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