On Saturday, a Florida homebred by the name of Damon’s Mound absolutely crushed a group of two-year-old colts in his debut for a small stable headed by trainer Michelle Lovell. Ironically, the colt is owned by another Michele. And…wait for it…her last name is Love!

 

 Damon’s Mound is by first-crop Florida sire Girvin, who has already left a significant impression on the racing community with just a handful of runners. This colt is out of a Stroll mare. Nothing to see here except a 12 1/2 length winner who bested a full field of ten other colts with price tags as high as $275,000. He covered the six furlongs in a scintillating 1:09.84 and received a higher Brisnet figure (93) than another rising star named Gulfport got in his debut over this track in mid-June when trouncing a full field by seven lengths. 

 

Speaking of Gulfport. Whew! Put this guy in your virtuaI stable or watchlist. The $275,000 son of Uncle Mo is our other rising star of interest, as he destroyed his competition in the Bashford Manor Stakes by a 12 1/4 length margin on closing day, July 4th. 

 

In only his second career start, Gulfport took Brian Hernandez, Jr. on a very exciting trip around the famous oval under the twinspires and gave trainer Steve Asmussen his last win of the meet and the leading trainer honors. Gulfport received a 91 Beyer for that effort and will head to Saratoga next week along with Asmussen’s other big runners such as Epicenter. 

 

Saratoga opens next Thursday, June 14th, and runs through the first week of September. In America, it is my favorite meet of the year, followed closely by Kentucky Downs in my hometown, Franklin, Kentucky. 

 

The Saratoga meet showcases the best horseracing has to offer and rarely disappoints. My summer trips for opening week are some of my fondest memories. The racing, the people, the food, the shopping…and of course, the hats make Saratoga the place to see and be seen. 

 

I especially look forward to the Travers each year. Known as the “Summer Derby”, it draws the best three-year-olds in the country still standing after the Triple Crown. Apparently Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will run, as will the aforementioned Epicenter. I hope you can attend a race or two at “The Spa” sometime in your life. Plan to stay a few days. The town is charming and you will have some fond memories as well. I promise.