Trainer Wesley Ward is set to unleash another promising juvenile filly in Rarify, a half sister to 2015 champion sprinter and Claiborne Farm stallion Runhappy in Saratoga's sixth race Sunday, a six-furlong maiden special weight on the main track.
Rarify, from the first crop of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify out of the Broken Vow mare Bella Jolie, was purchased for $750,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from Gainesway, agent for breeder Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings. She is owned by the Coolmore associates Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier, and Derrick Smith along with Westerberg (Georg von Opel) and Jonathan Poulin.
Ward, who has a penchant for training sprint stars on both dirt and turf, said Rarify has the potential to stretch out.
“She's meant to go further,” Ward said. “She has a really good mind to her as well. She's a very kind and sweet filly. She's like a Labrador. She doesn't get too nervous or rattled.”
Rarify has trained consistently at Keeneland, most recently working five furlongs in 1:03 flat on July 14. She also posted three half-mile works from the gate earlier this summer, completing all of them in :48.20.
“What really impresses me the most about her is her stride. All of her breezes have been perfect,” Ward said.
Rarify will leave post 7 in the eight-horse field under Irad Ortiz, Jr.
“I think the post is perfect,” Ward said. “She's on the outside but she's got one just to her outside, so she doesn't duck out. I had Irad jog her yesterday morning to get him familiar with her. Perfect post, great rider, we're ready to go.”
Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher will saddle Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Kaling [post 4, Flavien Prat] for her career debut.
The dark bay or brown daughter of Practical Joke, out of the Indian Charlie mare Proud Indian, comes from the same family as 2005 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly. She worked five-eighths in 1:01.64 on July 17 over the Saratoga main track, which came one week after a bullet half-mile gate breeze in 48.02 over Big Sandy.
“I like the way she trained at Belmont. She came up here with a good breeze,” Pletcher said. “She looked sharp from the gate, so hopefully she does that on Sunday.”
Kaling was bought for $220,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where she was consigned by breeders' John R. Penn and Frank Penn's consignment.
Willis Horton Racing's homebred Take Charge Briana will make her debut for Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. The daughter of Curlin is out of the unraced War Front mare Take Charge Tressa, a half-sister to 2014 champion 2-year-old filly Take Charge Brandi, who also was trained by Lukas. All are direct descendants of Grade 1-winning millionaire and 2014 Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady.
Take Charge Briana breaks from post 5 under Tyler Gaffalione.
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