Swamp Rat, Yes and Yes stepping up to stakes company in Skidmore

NYRA SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Phil Gleaves-trained stablemates Swamp Rat and Yes and Yes, coming off debut victories a month apart at Belmont Park, will make their next starts together in the $100,000 Skidmore for 2-year-olds at 5 ½ furlongs on the grass August 17, with an eye on the Grade 3, $150,000 With Anticipation 12 days later.

Bryan Hilliard’s homebred Swamp Rat sprung a 24-1 upset in his unveiling June 17, rallying from far back for a 2 3/4-length score going six furlongs on the turf. Since then he shows six breezes at Saratoga, the last four over the Oklahoma grass course, including a bullet three furlongs in 36.62 seconds Friday.

“I thought his first race was pretty impressive. He came from off the pace and ran a solid race, going three-quarters in [1:08.92],” Gleaves said. “There were just no races for him on the grass so we trained him up to this race. I foresee him being more of a distance horse, and we’ll use this to get to the With Anticipation.

“The 5 ½ is a bit of a concern because he came from well off the pace going six, but my hands are tied. It’s either run him here or don’t run him,” he added. “I think the race will do him a lot of good, even if it’s a little short for him, moving forward to the next one.”

The With Anticipation for 2-year-olds is contested at 1 1/16 miles. Julien Leparoux is named to ride in the Skidmore.