Comport was entered in the Grade 2 Saratoga Special last weekend before trainer Eddie Kenneally decided to re-route to the $200,000 Ellis Park Juvenile. Trainer Brad Cox is keeping a larger number of horses at this lucrative Henderson, Ky., meet than usual this season, including $200,000 Ellis Park Debutante entrant Chopsticks. Those moves paid off on Sunday, when both juveniles won their respective stakes as the favorites.
Comport ($2.70), who chased well-regarded Romeo home while second in the Bashford Manor in June at Churchill Downs, was scratched out of a Saratoga Special field that had plenty of speed; that Aug. 2 race was eventually won by the zippy Ewing.
On Sunday, he and Tyler Gaffalione were able to comfortably stalk outside of Spice Runner, those two hitting the half-mile marker in 46.01 seconds on the fast track while separated by just a head, but well clear of the rest of the field. Relishing this seven-furlong run, Comport, a son of Collected, got Spice Runner's measure in the stretch and pulled clear in the final stages to a two-length win.
"He definitely gave me the impression he wants to go longer," Gaffalione, who ultimately won six races on the day, told track publicity. "He was so kind and did whatever I asked him. When I asked him to quicken down the lane, he kept getting stronger."
Spice Runner, a disappointing fifth in the Bashford Manor, kept on well to be second in this improved effort, 6 1/2 lengths clear of Papa Ken.
The time was 1:22.73.
A few races earlier, Chopsticks ($3.40) was deftly handled throughout by Florent Geroux. Unhurried early, the filly was a sweet third and in the clear outside as Boom Boom Bell was zipping through opening splits of 22.43 and 45.57 while pressured by Prowess. As the leader faded, Prowess fought on, but Chopsticks was coming to her and putting a head in front cutting the corner, with Kingsolver, winner of the Schuylerville at Saratoga, rallying outside. Chopsticks, between horses but with the three well separated, established a clear lead, and then held on by a measured length at the wire over Kingsolver. It was 2 3/4 back to Prowess.
The time for the seven furlongs was 1:23.68.
Chopsticks, from the first crop of champion juvenile Essential Quality, remains unbeaten in her brief career, coming out of a key maiden at Churchill Downs.
"Anytime a horse starts two-for-two it is special," said Cox, who also trained her sire. "She has a great mind to her. Florent did a good job getting her into a good position. I think as the distances get longer, she’ll keep improving."
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