Global Access Comes on Late in Saranac

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Live Oak Plantation’s homebred Global Access stalked from the rear early before coming on late to defeat the favored Good Governance in Saturday’s $200,000 Saranac Stakes (G3) at Saratoga.

Breaking from post 4 under John Velazquez at 4/1 odds, Global Access took back and settled off the rail while Power Player posted opening fractions of :24.49, :49.66, and 1:13.37. Exiting the far turn, the 3/5 favorite Good Governance took a three-wide run at the lead, but Global Access was hot on his heels.

Ranging up along his outside, Global Access dueled with Good Governance and gradually inched ahead. The Mike Trombetta trainee crossed a neck in front in a final time of 1:41.80 for the 1 1/16-mile event over the firm inner turf course.

“Last time, we got in trouble behind horses,” said Velazquez, who rode him to a third-place finish last out in the Hall of Fame Stakes (G2) here on August 2. “So today, I put my hands down, and he was comfortable on the outside and relaxed much better that way. When I put him behind horses last time he was very rank, so today was totally different. He relaxed really well and kicked hard down the lane. I was really comfortable with the way he was going.”

Seismic Wave, a length behind the top pair, headed Rinaldi for third. Power Player weakened in the stretch to complete the order of finish. Tracksmith was scratched.

Global Access’ win was his second at the graded level after taking the Marine Stakes (G3) at Woodbine in May. The 3-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway now sports a record of 11-4-1-4 with $316,742 earned.

“Talking with John after he rode him the first time, I could just sense he was a little frustrated and it didn’t go as well as he wanted,” Trombetta said. “At the time, the turf course was carrying really fast. I think he was anxious to get another opportunity to ride him. He managed him great today. I was a little concerned when he settled back off what looked like a slow pace. He obviously was very comfortable doing what he did. It’s a little later in the meet and maybe (the turf) isn’t quite as fast as it’s been. I think the horse probably preferred that a little more, plus the extra sixteenth of a mile.”

Global Access returned $10 to win, $3.30 to place, and $2.30 to show. Good Governance brought back $2.60 to place and $2.10 to show, while Seismic Wave paid $2.20 to show.