Breeders' Cup Improbable Insurmountable in Whitney August 1, 2020 Credit: NYRA / Chelsea Durand Breeders' Cup Improbable Insurmountable in Whitney August 1, 2020 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing’s Improbable built an insurmountable lead in the stretch and strode home victorious in Saturday’s $750,000 Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. The Whitney is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, with Improbable receiving an automatic berth in the Longines Classic at Keeneland this November. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Improbable was fractious in the gate before breaking from post 2 at 3/1 odds under Irad Ortiz, Jr., but he soon settled and tracked early leader Mr. Buff through opening fractions of :25.12 and :49.74. Improbable gradually slid up alongside the pacesetter and challenged for the lead, then took command near the top of the stretch. Kicking away impressively in the stretch, Improbable crossed 2 lengths clear in a final time of 1:48.65 for the 1 1/8-mile fast dirt route. It was trainer Bob Baffert’s second straight Whitney victory, having taken it for the first time last year with McKinzie. Credit: NYRA / Janet Garaguso “Finally, he’s grown up a little bit,” said Ortiz, Jr., who was aboard when Improbable placed fourth in last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1). “He turned into a nice horse. Mr. Baffert did a great job with him. He broke really good today. Honestly, I just took a little hold. I know Mr. Buff, he’s the speed of the race and I sat second. Last time, (the jockey) rode him second in the clear and he ran so good, so I just tried to do the same thing.” By My Standards fought hard to keep up in the stretch, and though he proved unsuccessful, he was able to secure second by a 1/2-length. Tom’s d’Etat, the even-money favorite, stumbled badly leaving his gate and trailed early before closing ground in the stretch for third over Code of Honor. Mr. Buff completed the order of finish. Improbable’s win was his second straight following the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita Park on June 6. The 4-year-old City Zip colt improved his overall record to 13-6-3-0 with $1,529,250 earned. “He’s a high-energy horse and it’s not as surprising when you’ve seen it a few times,” said WinStar Farm CEO Elliot Walden regarding Improbable’s gate antics. “It is something that’s cost him a couple races. The Pennsylvania Derby (G1) is a race he was compromised in because he broke in the air. He typically has one little episode in him and it’s just a question of getting that out of the way and then he settles down. Bob’s done a lot of work with him and the way he broke, I felt really good about him once he got out of the gate.” Improbable returned $8.50 to win, $4.50 to place, and $2.70 to show. By My Standards brought back $5.40 to place and $2.60 to show, while Tom’s d’Etat paid $2.10 to show.
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