Hieroglyphics spell outW- I- N
Three- year- old colt changes tactics in Better Talk Now Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. » Hieroglyphics had finished in the exacta in all but one of six starts on turf, andwas coming off a win at the distance on the Saratoga green. After being 3- 1 on themorning line, however, the threeyearold colt was allowed to go off at 7- 1 Monday in the $ 100,000 Better Talk Now Stakes, his first addedmoney appearance.
Hieroglyphics had previously run just off the pace, but on Monday John Velazquez let hismount settle a bit further back. The strategy paid off, as the son of Pioneerof the Nile came f lying late, out- finishing four rivals in what became a frantic five- horse rush to the wire. The official margin was a neck.
“He’s one of those colts who took a little while to put everything together,” said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “We could see in the winter and spring that he was getting better and better. It felt like his last two races were a step forward, and he took another step forward today.”
Adonis Creed, the longest shot on the board at 17- 1, led into mid- stretch, but was soon passed by favorites Snap Decision and Blind Ambition. Those two were clear for a few strides, but Hieroglyphics – who had found room between two trailing horses – had them measured. Small Bear, with Irad Ortiz Jr. digging deep with a left- handedwhip, got up for second.
Velazquez was able to get good position on the rail behind the leader, staying 2- 3 lengths back down the backstretch and through the turn.
“I got to bide my time there and make sure they saw me behind the other horses,” said the Hall of Fame rider, who was aboard Hieroglyphics for the first time. “When I tipped him out, he was electric and full of run. It played out perfect. We couldn’t plan it any better. It’s just the way we wanted it to happen.”
Snap Decision finished a half- length behind Small Bear for the show spot. Hol-
iday Stone was three- quarters of a length further back, a nose in front of evenmoney favorite Blind Ambition. Adonis Creed finished last of six.
Hieroglyphics, who races for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, improved to 3- 3- 0 in eight starts and has now earned $ 164,272.