SARATOGA SPRINGS — Randomized, racing for the powerhouse Klaravich Stable and five-time Saratoga training titlist Chad Brown, led every step of the way to win the second running of the $135,000 Wilton Stakes, the first of two added money events on the second day of Saratoga’s 40-day season.
Five races later, Unified Alliance, a new purchase for owner Jack Reagan, busted out of the gate, repelled challenges in the home stretch and went on to win the 12th running of the $150,000 Coronation Cup.
The Wilton, that was run on Saratoga’s main track out of the Wilson Chute that was re-installed last year, drew a field of five 3-year-old fillies that were all seeking their first win in a stakes race. The field was reduced to four when trainer George Weaver scratched Sacred Wish.
Randomized, the betting choice at 7-5 on the morning line, was out of the starting gate first under Irad Ortiz, Jr., last year’s Saratoga riding champion. Once they straightened away for the run up the backstretch, Ortiz took the bay daughter of Nyquist to the rail, an area that seemed to be the fastest part of the drying track.
From there on, it was a clear lead all the way home to a length-and-a-half win over Just Katherine, ridden by Hall of Famer Javier Castellano, who was seeking his second stakes win in as many days following his opening-day trophy ride aboard Becky’s Joke in the Schuylerville.
Following a stumbling start, Just Katherine was 10 lengths ahead of the show horse, Unsung Melody, with Luis Saez up. Randomized’s stablemate, Accede, was the trailer.
“My goal was to be on the lead without using too much. I realized the other filly (Unsung Hero) had showed speed before. But, my filly helped me,” Ortiz said.
When asked about a possible start next in the seven-furlong, $500,000 Grade I Test Stakes on Aug. 5, Brown replied, “It’s time maybe for her to go back up in class and…
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