Race Recaps Mind Control Wires G1 Hopeful September 3, 2018 Race Recaps Mind Control Wires G1 Hopeful September 3, 2018 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Red Oak Stable’s homebred Mind Control possessed the lead throughout the race, no matter who challenged him, en route to winning Monday’s Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga. Breaking from post 2 under John Velazquez at odds of 10/1, Mind Control held command while running heads apart with Nitrous through opening splits of :22.96 and :45.68. Dispatching of that foe off the far turn, Mind Control emerged onto the stretch with a slight lead but was soon challenged by the even-money favorite Mucho. Refusing to yield for the run to the wire, the Greg Sacco trainee hit the wire with a 3/4-length advantage in a final time of 1:22.99 for the 7-furlong main track sprint. “I told Gregory earlier I was going to try to come out running and get position early in the race,” Velazquez said. “The horse didn’t want to be on the lead, and fortunately, it worked out that way. He settled pretty easy along the backstretch and got settled to the turn. Once we reached the 3/8 pole and I asked him, he was full of run. I was real proud of the way he finished he came on and never relinquished.” Mucho was well-clear of a weakening Nitrous, who staved off Sombeyay by a 1/2-length for third. Dream Maker crossed in fifth ahead of Thatwouldbegrand, while Backtohisroots and Derby Date were far behind and completed the order of finish. Mind Control’s win was his second straight following his maiden-breaking triumph at Monmouth Park on August 12, with his lone loss coming in his debut on July 5 at Delaware Park. The 2-year-old son of Stay Thirsty has now earned $220,900 for co-owners Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables. “We had a lot of horse at the 1/4 pole,” Sacco said. “Johnny said he was actually waiting a little bit. He’s still a little green and learning.” Mind Control returned $22.20 to win, $7.80 to place, and $5 to show. Mucho brought back $3.10 to place and $2.40 to show, while Nitrous paid $3.50 to show. “It’s my first Grade 1, so it’s real special,” Sacco said. “I’m the son of a trainer. My dad never had the opportunity to train these types of horses. It’s very meaningful. It’s a great feeling. I have my whole family here and I can’t be any happier.”
Kentucky Downs and Del Mar Picks & Previews | Blinkers Off 683 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
Kentucky Downs Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 565 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
College Football Picks & NFL Tips | Dudes Who Bet Sports 205 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Pacific Classic 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 682 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 564 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Kentucky Downs Picks | Turf Sprint Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint] Aaron previews the 2024 Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Kentucky… Read More
Kentucky Downs FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Kentucky Downs on September… Read More
Del Mar FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club… Read More
Kentucky Downs Exacta Picks & Plays | Turf Cup Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf] Dr. Miranda gives her exacta picks & plays from the… Read More
Rocket Picks 🚀: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs, & Gulfstream Park for September 7, 2024 Let’s kick off another big day of horse racing with… Read More