Copper Bullet makes the grade in the Special
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » As one of only two starters with gradedstakes experience, and benefiting from having three previous starts, Copper Bullet figured to be one of the top choices in Sunday’s feature, the $200,000 Saratoga Special Stakes (G2). In fact, he was the 5-2 morning-line favorite.
The 2-year- old son of More Than Ready saw his support weaken to 7-2 before post time. Once the gates opened, however, Copper Bullet ran like a 5-2 favorite, stalking a quick pace through the turn before taking command in upper stretch. With the rest of the field floundering in his wake, the Steve Asmussen trainee powered home to win by four widening lengths.
“[Copper Bullet] ran a good race today, he really did,” said Asmussen. “[The no. 9 post] was
an excellent draw for him. He was a little playful in the paddock, but once he got on the track he was all business. He broke sharply. I was a little concerned with how fast they were going, but I think the racing experience that he’s had showed up.”
Mo Diddley broke first and held on through a :44,72 half, with 3-2 favorite Barry Lee and Copper Bullet providing the escort. Those three held their positions through the turn until jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. decided it was time to go. A three-wide move carried Copper Bullet to the front as the field straightened out, and he was off to the races from there. Passing the three-quarter mark in 1:09.84, the winner was clocked in 1:16.45 for 6½ furlongs on a “fast” main track.
Hollywood Star rallied from the back of the pack to claim second, two lengths in front of Tempestad. They were followed under the wire by Bal Harbour, Crea’s Bklyn Law, Diamond Oops, Mo Diddley, Barry Lee and Vino.
“He broke good and put me in perfect position,” said Ortiz, who was riding his fourth winner of the day. “Last time he missed the break, but this time I was in the clear. I let him be comfortable, and when I asked him, he was there for me. He finished good, and I think he can go farther.”
Copper Bullet, who races for Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Willis Horton Racing LLC, evened his record at two wins and two seconds from four starts, and boosted his earnings to $177,800. In his previous start, Copper Bullet was beaten a length and a half in the Grade 2 Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs.