Rally Cry Races Home First in $100,000 Alydar

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Paul Pompa, Jr.’s Rally Cry was absolutely loaded, easily racing home first by 8 3/4 lengths in Saturday’s $100,000 Alydar Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

Jockey John Velazquez placed Rally Cry along the outside of Conquest Windycity through fractions of :23.66, :47.40, and 1:11.31 through the far turn. Exiting onto the stretch, Rally Cry kicked away with ease, completing a mile in 1:36.00 before completing the 8 1/2-furlong race in 1:48.58 under a hand ride.

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Red Rifle caught Conquest Windycity late for second. Mo Tom initially appeared to be gaining on Rally Cry off of the turn but couldn’t sustain his momentum and finished fourth. Mohaymen completed the order of finish.

While Rally Cry finished sixth in each of his two graded stakes attempts (the 2016 Gotham and the 2017 Met Mile), trainer Todd Pletcher wouldn’t rule out making another go against top-level company, including the Grade 1 Woodward on September 2.

“He’s had some time off, and this is the first opportunity he’s really had to get in two turns with a mile and 1/8,” said Pletcher. “The way he trains, he always gives us depth and confidence, that’s really what he’s the best at. We’re just really happy to have this opportunity to show what he’s capable of.”

With the win, the 4-year-old colt out of Uncle Mo improved his record to 10-4-1-3. The winner’s share of $60,000 increased his career earnings to $250,380.

Rally Cry returned $3.50 to win, $2.60 to place, and $2.10 to show. Red Rifle brought back $5.50 to place and $2.90 to show, while Conquest Windycity paid $2.70 to show.