SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Train the Trainer has generally been regarded as one of the leading members of the New York-bred 3-year-old division, arguably second best behind only multiple Grade 3 winner Mo Plex. But despite being undefeated in three tries against statebred competition, Train the Trainer is expected to face a major challenge from the new kid on the block, the suddenly invincible Iron Dome, when the pair meets for the first time Thursday at Saratoga in the $200,000 Albany Stakes.
The 1 1/8-mile Albany shares top billing on the card with its filly counterpart, the $200,000 Fleet Indian, which lured a field of only five led by likely favorite Kay Cup. The compact lineup also includes Lottie Margaret, Valtellina, and Vehemente, the first three finishers, respectively, from last month’s New York Oaks at Finger Lakes.
Train the Trainer began his career finishing second for trainer Mark Glatt against open maiden special weight competition this spring at Santa Anita. He was subsequently sent to New York trainer Rob Atras for whom he’s registered three consecutive one-sided victories, including both the seven-furlong Mike Lee here June 4 and the New York Derby going 1 1/16 miles at Finger Lakes six weeks later.
“His first start was great, after which Mark Glatt reached out and asked if I would take the horse to run him in statebred company here in New York,” Atras explained. “And since he’s been here, he’s just gotten a little bigger and stronger while naturally progressing from race to race.
“He obviously stretched out well going around two turns for the first time up at Finger Lakes. I thought he was still pretty powerful coming through the wire, although there is something about mile and one-eighth races at Saratoga. A lot of horses don’t handle it as well as two turns at other tracks.”
Atras also acknowledged that Iron Dome figures to be a formidable rival despite the fact he will be making his stakes debut.
“As good as our horse is doing, this will be no easy task. Our main competitor [Iron Dome] looks pretty scary, especially since he has already handled a mile and one-eighth here twice. Hopefully, having him to our inside leaving the gate will prove to be to our advantage.”
Iron Dome was still a maiden when the meet began but has turned in two outstanding performances since trainer Steve Asmussen stretched him out to nine furlongs for the first time earlier in the session. He has won his last two races by a combined 21 1/2 lengths while earning a career-best 91 Beyer Speed Figure in his most recent try, which matches the number posted by Train the Trainer for his victory in the New York Derby.
Iron Dome, who wheels back on just two weeks’ rest, is a half-brother to the New York-bred Mr. Buff, an 11-time stakes winner who banked $1.4 million during his racing career.
“He’s a huge horse, like his brother, and carries a lot of weight,” said Asmussen. “Just too many stop-and-gos over the winter. Getting to run him consistently has helped him tremendously. He looked very good winning his last two races and deserves this step up.”
Hit the Post, who finished a distant second after prompting Train the Trainer’s pace in the New York Derby, tops the remainder of a field that also consists of King’s Leap, Just Licorice, and Sky Masterson.
Kay Cup comes into the Fleet Indian off a pair of easy victories of her own, highlighted by a popular three-length triumph in the seven-furlong Bouwerie here June 4 for which she was awarded a career-best 86 Beyer. She is, however, a bit of a question mark stretching out to 1 1/8 miles for the first time in the Fleet Indian after having been idle for more than 11 weeks.
“She had a little setback after her first start last year, and since she’s come back, she’s done nothing wrong,” trainer Jorge Abreu said. “She’s been training lights out. Irad [Ortiz Jr.] breezed her the last two times and knows her well. The only question we have is the distance, but I think if she gets the right trip she should be able to handle it no problem.”
Lottie Margaret overcame some trouble at the break to register a three-length victory over Valtellina, with Vehemente finishing another three-quarters of a length further back as the 4-5 favorite in the New York Oaks.
– additional reporting by David Grening
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