2023 Bashford Manor Stakes Replay | The Wine Steward Holds Off Wilson Q Late To Win

The Mike Maker-trained The Wine Steward won the 2023 Bashford Manor Stakes at Ellis Park, holding off Wilson Q late for the victory. Who is currently the top 2-year-old leading up to Saratoga? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!

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The press release:

    Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher’s New York-bred The Wine Steward rallied from just off the pace and powered home for a 2 ¾-length score in Sunday’s 122nd running of the $225,000 Bashford Manor (Listed) at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming.

    The Wine Steward completed six furlongs in 1:10.06 under jockey Luis Saez. He is trained by Mike Maker.

    Go Otto Go was hustled hard for the lead out of the gate with fellow speedster Call Me Andy joining him to his outside. The Wine Steward was positioned third in the early stages of the Bashford Manor, about three lengths off the pace. The dueling leaders completed an opening quarter-mile in :22.20 and half-mile in :45.24. At the top of the lane, The Wine Steward was positioned three wide as Go Otto Go and Call Me Andy began to tire on the lead. The Wine Steward kicked powerfully towards the wire and was able to hold a late bid of Wilson Q at bay.

    “I was looking at his replay last time and he was able to break and be behind horses,” Saez said. “I think with some more distance he’ll really like it. I really loved the way he came home. The plan was always to be behind the speed. We knew he’d have a big turn of foot and he did.”

    The Wine Steward is now a perfect 2-for-2 in his young career with purse earnings of $164,010.

    The Wine Steward is a 2-year-old colt by Vino Rosso out of the To Honor and Serve mare Call to Service. He was bred in New York by Sequel Thoroughbreds, Lakland Farm and Mark Toothaker.