It was a long road to a comeback for 2019 Grade 2 Jim Dandy-winner Tax, but Gargan's patience was rewarded when the 6-year-old fan favorite returned after 532 days away from the races to post a two-length score in the Battery Park on July 9 at Delaware Park.
A dark bay Arch gelding, Tax had not raced since a distant 10th in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational in January 2021. He had been working steadily at Saratoga throughout the spring after recovering from a surgery on his sesamoid.
Gargan said he was proud of Tax's return front-running victory, which garnered a 98 Beyer Speed Figure.
“He's the barn favorite and he's our baby. It took a lot of patience. To run a 98 Beyer after 532 days is impressive,” said Gargan. “We'll try to figure out where to run him next. I've always wanted to run him on the grass, so there's a big chance for that. I'll start looking for something here in a week or so.”
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