ELMONT, NY – West Point Thoroughbreds and Jimmy Kahig’s Ready A.P. garnered a 54 Beyer in a visually-impressive debut Thursday under Belmont Stakes (G1)-winning rider Luiz Saez in a 5 1/2-furlong state-bred maiden special weight on Big Sandy.
Trained by Christophe Clement, the dark bay daughter of More Than Ready was bumped at the gate by Helens Spirit, who broke outward, and forced to steady behind rivals while conceding several lengths.
Saez hustled Ready A.P. into contention, collaring the pacesetting Darn That Song at the 1/4 pole and drawing off to a comfortable 8 1/4-length score in a final time of 1:06.88.
Clement said he wasn’t too concerned about the difficult start.
“I was not too anxious because I knew she was fast. In four strides, she was back in the race. Obviously, next time she will be more mature,” said Clement. “She’s a very nice filly. She trained very well and raced very well. It’s exciting. She’s always been fast. It’s easy to win with that kind.”
Out of the A.P. Indy mare Girlaboutown, Ready A.P. was purchased for $125,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling Showcase. She was bred in the Empire State by Chester and Mary Broman.
Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds said Ready A.P. ran to expectations after training with Clement’s son, and assistant trainer, Miguel, at Saratoga.
“All the credit goes to the team,” Finley said. “She’s been at Saratoga since leaving Eddie Woods’ operation in Ocala. Eddie isn’t one to tout a horse, but he really thinks she can be a runner. We’re excited to have a more than solid winner.”
While a target has yet to be selected for Ready A.P.’s stakes debut, a logical option could be the $100,000 Stillwater, a 6-furlong sprint for state-bred juvenile fillies on July 22 at Saratoga.
“The absolute beauty of the New York-bred program is that there are options,” said Finley. “I think that’s why people look at the New York-bred as the best in the country. We won’t run her back too quickly. Ultimately, a decision on her next start will be left up to Christophe and Miguel. They work so well together and feed off each other. We’re dealing with 4 or 5 different spots.”
