SUE’S FORTUNE was visibly leg weary in the shadow of the wire in Saturday’s $200,000 Adirondack Stakes (G2) at Saratoga, but the Jump Start filly held to score the half-length victory over a fast-closing Virginia Eloise.
Lyrical Lady, the 7-5 favorite, led the way early through splits of :21.72 and :45.53 while pressed by Mucho Amor on the outside. Sue’s Fortune drafted just off Mucho Amor’s flank and Guacamole slid over to the rail.
Rounding the bend, Sue’s Fortune took over and was set down for the drive. However, the bay filly visibly tired in the lane, weaving back and forth under left handed encouragement from jockey Junior Alvarado. Meanwhile Virginia Eloise, who had tracked in the back of the six-filly field early, was closing fast.
Fortunately for Sue’s Fortune, the wire came up just in time. Sent off the 7-2 third choice, she stopped the clock in 1:19.83 for 6 1/2 furlongs over the good main track. Virginia Eloise had 2 1/4 lengths to spare on Guacamole, who in turn finished 7 1/4 lengths in front of Mucho Amor. Lyrical Lady and Grandma Gertie completed the order under the line.
Sue’s Fortune is trained by Jeremiah Englehart for breeder Richard Nicolai’s Fortune Farm. The sophomore lass is now a perfect two-for-two, having wired her career debut at Belmont Park on July 5 by 8 1/2 lengths. The New York-bred filly has banked $147,200 thus far.
Sue’s Fortune is the first registered stakes winner out of the Catienus mare Democrat Taxes. This is the same female line as Broodmare of the Year Primal Force, from whom is descended champion Macho Uno and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) hero Awesome Again, both leading sires.
ADIRONDACK QUOTES
Junior Alvarado, jockey Sue’s Fortune, winner
“It was Plan B. We tried to go with Plan A, which was hoping she broke like last. She broke good, but not as sharp as last time. We wanted to put a little pressure early, though. I was sitting in a perfect position, by the three-eighths pole, she started pulling me. I saw horses struggling and I saw horses coming near, so I thought I had to take a shot at that point, let my filly go and hope she would hold. It worked out.”
Jeremiah Englehart, trainer Sue’s Fortune, winner
“I think the biggest thing for her is her first race. She goes out she takes the lead and she runs away. This race she stalked. She’s a racehorse. Now we just have to find out when she’s right for her next race and try to find what the next spot is going to be. For her to settle off the pace this time and close, she wants to run. She’s won on the lead (and) she’s won off the lead, so hopefully now we can get her to relax even more and finish strong as well.”
