MIND CONTROL SHOWS GRIT IN HOPEFUL UPSET
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » With most of the money riding on Mucho (11-10), Sombeyay (5-1) and Nitrous (9-2), Mind Control was something of a forgotten horse at 10-1 in Monday’s $350,000 Hopeful Stakes (G1).
Mucho, Sombeyay and Nitrous were all coming off impressive wins in their most recent starts. But Mind Control had shown he was no slouch in a three-length maiden victory three weeks ago at Monmouth. In the Hopeful, the 2-year- old son of Stay Thirsty was even more impressive than he’d been in New Jersey, dueling with Nitrous early, finally shaking off that one in midstretch, then holding off the late charge of Mucho to earn the three- quarters- of-a-length win.
“He has gears,” winning trainer said of Mind Control. “He ran a great race [in his debut at Delaware Park] and then at Monmouth, but then you have to do it on the big show. We had a lot of horse at the quarter-pole. [Winning jockey] John [ Velazquez] said he was actually waiting a bit. He’s still a little green, and learning.”
Mind Control, pressed by Nitrous, led through a quarter in :22.96 and a half in :45.68. He cornered well and increased his advantage into mid-stretch, passing the eighth pole in front by a length and half. At first, it looked like Mucho might have the momentum, but Mind Control ended
up having things well in hand.
“I told Gregory earlier I was going to try to come out running, and get posi- tion early in the race,” said Velazquez. “He settled pretty easy along the backstretch and got settled on the turn. Once we reached the threeeighths pole and I asked him, he was full of run. I was real proud of theway hefinished.”
Nitrous held on for third, 2 ¾ lengths behind Mucho.
Sombeyay, Dream Maker, That would be grand, Backto his roots and Derby Date completed the order of finish.
Mind Control ran the seven furlongs in 1:22.99 over a fast track. The Hopeful purse increased his earnings to $220,900.
The last word goes to Gregory Sacco.
“It’s my first Grade 1, so it’s real special. I’m the son of a trainer. My dad never had the opportunity to train these types of horses. It’s a great feeling. I have my whole family here, and I can’t be any happier.”