Horse Racing

Switch to Turf Pays Off for General Jim in Saratoga


It’s not uncommon to see a coveted high-priced shopping spree move from the ground to the turf in the start of their second career.

Turf is often referred to as a Plan B when an initial attempt doesn’t go according to the expected scenario.

But when the pitch-to-grass transition follows a promising debut on the main track, it could be a forewarning sign that the grass may indeed be greener for that runner.

That was certainly the case on September 3 when Courtlandt Farms’ General Jim started his second career on the pitch after finishing third on the pitch in his debut on August 13 after a participant in Hope Stocks (G1) on September 5 Bourbon Bash . This change proved to be a great breakthrough for Hall of Fame coach Shug McGaughey, son of Into Mischief posted an antique win in a $105,000 maiden race, opening the last Saturday of Racecourse Saratoga meet.

“He’s better running on the pitch than it shows, but I think he’s better on the pitch,” said McGaughey. “I iced him on the pitch, and I think he did well. He had some grass next to his dam. He was still a bit green, but once we straightened it. , he can run further later. At least if it rains, we can run him on the main track.”

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Dismissed by Luis Saez, General Jim raced a 1/16-mile run on the inside turf at 1:44.51 and paid $9.50 to win as second pick in cell nine.

McGaughey said he’d ideally like to re-run Into Mischief’s pony in an allowance race, but if one isn’t played he can choose to place a bet such as Pilgrim Stakes (G2T) on the day. October 2 at Aqueduct race track.

By Spendthrift Farm’s elite steed, General Jim was bred by Fifth Avenue Bloodstock and Centerline Breeding from Curlin mare Inspired by Grace . The fourth foal and first winner from his dam, it sold for $850,000 from Indian Creek consignment at the 2021 Keeneland Sale September.

Inspired by Grace also has a 2022 by Real.

Treadway Racing Stable’s Fly right the son of Astern coached by Leah Gyarmati, finished second in Saturday’s opening more than half of Erdenheim Farm’s Dispute one Gleneagles colt coached by Barclay Tagg.

Donald Adam’s Courtlandt Ranch hits daily doubles with a pair of six-figure birds of prey like Strong passed the second race by half the length.

2 year old son of Nyquist was bred by Parks Investment Group out of Pulp mare Ancient and was purchased for $525,000 from Paramount Sales’ shipment at Keeneland last September Yearling Sale.

Coached by Steve Asmussen, he finished second on his July 23 debut and was taken off the field as the 3-5th favorite, paying $3.20 after covering seven shirts in 1:23.58 for driver Jose Ortiz in the first $105,000 special weight test.

Powerful is the third and most recent pony from Antiquity and her third winner.

Robert LaPenta, e Five Racing Thoroughbreds, and Madaket Stable’s Tapit’s Command (Tapit ) came in second on his debut for coach Brad Cox and Jay Em Ess Stable’s Madness Full Moon (Into Mischief), coached by Michelle Nevin, dropped to third during the second start.



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