When trainer Brittany Russell scored the first graded stakes victory of her career in October 2021 with Wondrwherecraigis in the Bold Ruler (G3) Handicap, she had even more to celebrate the next day when she underwent a cesarean section to deliver her second baby.
This time around, day-after celebrations looked a bit different after Russell won her first Grade 1 race with Doppelganger in Saturday's $300,000 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct Racetrack. The Maryland-based conditioner was home Sunday, enjoying Easter morning with her two children and husband, jockey Sheldon Russell.
“We're just enjoying the family and we'll have a little Easter egg hunt,” said Russell, with a laugh. “It's just back to reality with the family and worrying about getting back to work this week.”
Doppelganger has given Russell plenty to celebrate, boasting a perfect 3-for-3 record since making his first start for her in January. He scored two allowance victories at Laurel Park traveling 1 1/16 miles and one-mile, respectively, en route to his Carter victory.
“He's a horse with quite a personality and he doesn't know what he's beating, but he knows he's winning and doing a good job,” Russell said.
The son of Into Mischief, who is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable, and Siena Farm, attained Grade 1 glory Saturday with a perfect rallying trip under Jevian Toledo, who also earned the first Grade 1 victory of his career. Doppelganger tracked in fifth-of-7 down the backstretch under a patient Toledo before swinging three-wide in the turn to make up ground with every stride down the lane and draw away to a 1 1/2-length victory over Repo Rocks.
Russell said she has relived the moment countless times since yesterday.
“He's out with my assistant this morning having a pick of grass and he thinks he's King Kong,” Russell said. “I've watched the race about a hundred times and I'm really proud of him. Toledo rode him so well and I'm just in disbelief honestly. You go up there and you hope things will set up well and that he'll run a big race and get a piece of it. But for him to go up there and win it is just amazing. We're just so proud of him.”
Russell indicated after the race that a logical spot for Doppelganger's next start could be the $1-million Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1) on June 10 at Belmont Park. While she still would like to see the horse back on the track and discuss plans with the ownership group, Russell said the Met Mile remains a practical target.
“He's a Grade 1 winner now, so you kind of want to see if he keeps getting better,” Russell said. “That means we'll have to keep testing him.”
Russell said Uncle Jake, who finished a pacesetting last-of-12 in the Wood Memorial (G2), also Saturday at Aqueduct, emerged from the race in good order.
“He's OK and seems fine this morning,” said Russell. “We'll give him a few days here and probably just try and get him back on track.”
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