By Michael Schrader Robin Sparkles turn every pole into a victory led by Javier Castellano Hall of Famer in the $200,000 Caress Stakes (G3T) on July 23 at Racecourse Saratoga.
Coached by Bruce Brown, Robin Sparkles arrived for her second qualifying test, a 5 1/2 sprint on Mellon grass for older mares and athletics, from third place behind the opponent back to speed Breakout time on June 25 Goldwood Stakes at Monmouth Park.
‘s 5-year-old daughter Elusive quality strong breakout and was overtaken by Castellano from post 6, establishing the most popular lead after time Caravel went slow and steady on the track in the middle of the 10-horse field through the quarter-mile opening in: 21.54 on firm grass.
When Bout Time chased and tired the outside of Robin Sparkles, Caravel and Miss J McKay got into traffic trouble and was forced to settle down with the yard near the turn. Save the ground closer Souper Sensational widest turn of all exits and earned her the lead, while Robin Sparkles maintained her advantage by three lengths in the middle of the round.
Robin Sparkles began to return to the court under Castellano’s urging, and the Souper Sensational emerged under strong guidance from Dylan Davis and succeeded with every move. However Lady Edith providing another threat in the middle of the lane, Robin Sparkles countered an angry bid from the Souper Sensational with a head in the final time of 1:01.98.
Lady Edith finished third, half-length behind Souper Sensational and ahead of her struggling steady friend Miss J McKay. Star Devine flare time, Keep waiting , Tobys Heart, and Caravel completed the finish order.
Only 3/4 of the length separated the top 4 finishers and the back end, yards 8 1/2 lengths apart.
Raised in New York by Hibiscus Stables, Robin Sparkles paid $44 for the $2 winning ticket and increased her earnings to $530,668. Her record improved to 9-2-3 after 16 starts.
Brown said it was gratifying to see Robin Sparkles scoring well after some setbacks last year.
“Last year she had some bad luck and different things going on,” Brown said. “She’s very optimistic the way she’s been, but she’s actually coming back better and better,” Brown said. after each start”. “The last race was at Monmouth, and it was kind of a suicidal pace, but she got out of it really well and ate up the bottom of the feed tank and did a great job.”
Robin Sparkles in the winner’s circle
Robin Sparkles escapes from the mare Dehere My Sparky who has three winners out of three ponies to start.
She was purchased for $30,000 by trainer Linda Rice from the Indian Creek consignment to the 2018 New York Crossbreeding Year Sale at Fasig-Tipton. Two years after Rice’s acquisition, she began her career with Brown as a coach.
Video: Caress S. (G3T)
