Selflessly Trumps Sweet Melania in Lake George

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Klaravich Stables’ Selflessly came running with a flurry in the stretch to trump the heavily-favored Sweet Melania and win Friday’s $100,000 Lake George Stakes (G3) at Saratoga.

Selflessly broke as a 14/1 longshot from post 8 under David Cohen, replacing the originally-named jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., who was off all Friday mounts with a sore wrist.

Windracer set the pace inside of Sugar Fix heading into the clubhouse turn before posting opening fractions of :23.92, :48.48, and 1:12.33 down the backstretch and through the far turn.

A spot along the rail opened at the top of the stretch, and the ground-saving Sweet Melania dove through it and quickly took command. Cohen steered Selflessly in behind the 3/5 bettors’ choice until clear of all other rivals, then tipped out to challenge.

Gobbling up ground quickly in the final stages, Selflessly stole command in the final jump before the wire, crossing a nose better in a final time of 1:36.06 for the mile-long event over an inner turf course rated good.

“We were happy to get a good trip behind the horseI thought would take us the whole way,” Cohen said. “You never really want to get stuck behind a horse that’s going to back up into you. My filly really finished up strong and showed a lot of heart.”

Witez took third over Micheline, while Sugar Fix faded to fifth. American Giant, My Sassy Sarah, and Windracer were in a tight photo for sixth, each separated from another by just a head.

Velvet Crush and Cat’s Pajamas were further back to complete the order of finish.

Miss Peppina was a Main Track Only entry.

Selflessly’s win was her first since she broke her maiden at second asking in the Miss Grillo Stakes (G2) last September and improved her overall record to 5-2-1-0. The Maryland-bred 3-year-old More Than Ready filly rebounded from her fifth-place 2020 debut in the Wonder Again Stakes (G3) and has now earned $219,000.

“The first race of the year, I was a little disappointed watching the race unfold. and when we got her back to the barn, she had some cuts on the backs of her legs,” Brown said. “She missed some training after that race to heal up, so she probably had an excuse in there. … David stepped in today when Irad couldn’t ride and I’m really proud of him. He rode a great race and we were happy to put him on the horse. I use him occasionally and we certainly ride against him a lot. He rides particularly well on the turf, saving ground.”

Selflessly returned $30.60 to win, $8.40 to place, and $5.20 to show. Sweet Melania brought back $2.70 to place and $2.20 to show, while Witez paid $4.20 to show.