Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. still has very high hopes for Three Chimneys Farm and e Five Racing Thoroughbreds' Collaborate after the 3-year-old son of Into Mischief's impressive optional claiming allowance score at Gulfstream Park last Sunday.
“I have a lot of belief in this horse. I know it hasn't shown yet, but hopefully, we're on the right path,” said Joseph, who reported Wednesday that the striking physical specimen exited his 5 ½-length victory in good order. “I still think he's the best horse I've trained, but I know he hasn't proved it yet.”
Collaborate, a $600,000 purchase at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, will be pointed to a stakes race for his next start – the 1 1/8-mile Curlin July 30 at Saratoga being the most likely target.
The Joseph trainee was so impressive while breaking his maiden by 12 ½ lengths at Gulfstream Feb. 27 that his connections entered him in the March 27 Curlin Florida Derby (G1), in which he finished fifth after a troubled start and a wide trip. Soon after, he underwent a minor throat procedure to open his air passage.
Collaborate returned to action in the 6 ½-furlong Roar Stakes May 15 at Gulfstream, finishing a disappointing third as the 2-5 favorite following a tardy start and wide trip.
“He's bred to run all day. The trip last time at 6 ½ [furlongs] was a bad decision on my part,” Joseph said. “The reason we cut him back is we thought his air got a little hinderance. I think the procedure worked.”
Collaborate fared much better while stretching out to a mile Sunday. The Kentucky-bred colt broke alertly to closely track the pacesetter while trapped on the rail along the backstretch. He split horses at the top of the stretch and drew off to a comfortable win under Edgard Zayas.
“He sat there and Edgard was really patient. He was in so tight, but Edgard didn't panic,” Joseph said. “It was a very professional race. The only way it could critique it is I would have liked to see him open up more, but he wasn't breathing hard after the race.”
The post ‘I Still Think He’s The Best Horse I’ve Trained’: Joseph Hasn’t Stopped Believing In Collaborate appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
