No laughing matter - Comical holds on in muddy Schuylerville
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> When a light rain briefly became a summer downpour about an hour before post-time of Thursday’s $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes (G3) – resulting in the main track being downgraded from “fast” to “muddy” – horseplayers took another look at their programs to see if any of the eight starters had experience on a less-than-fast track.
As it turned out, the Schuylerville result appeared to hinge more on pedigree than on whether any of the participants had run on an off track. Comical and Kiss the Girl, both daughters of noted juvenile sire Into Mischief, ran one-two in the 102nd edition of the six-furlong race, validating the impressive maiden wins the two fillies had posted in their spring debuts.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to win at Saratoga,” said winning co-owner Erik Johnson, an NHL player with the Col
orado Avalanche. “Hats off to the entire team that got her here. We’re excited to see what the future holds. Her dam is a full sister to [2008 Travers winner] Colonel John, so hopefully she can stretch out.”
Longshot Integral (171) broke first, and with Comical keeping her honest a length back, the Algorithms filly led the field through an opening quarter in 22.54 seconds. Those two held their positions around the turn, but when Integral began weakening in mid-stretch, Comical went by to her outside. Meanwhile, Shippy, the odds-on favorite who had enjoyed a ground-saving trip, moved up to second along the rail.
Both fillies were then threatened by Kiss the Girl, who was making a big run in the middle of the track. Kiss the Girl nailed Shippy by a half-length for the place but was unable to get to Comical, who held on for the neck win. The running time was 1:11.16 over a muddy track. Shippy finished 7 ¼ lengths clear of fourth-place finisher Buxom Beast.
“She moved fast out of the gate and attended the pace,” said winning jockey Javier Castellano. “Turning for home, I was able to save a little ground. I’m very lucky that she’s a goodenough filly to win the race because [Kiss the Girl] was coming at her. I want to say thanks to [California-based trainer] Doug O’Neill for giving me an opportunity. She was very determined today.”
Comical is owned by ERJ Racing LLC, Gary Barber, Dave Kenney and Madaket Stables LLC. She paid $8.20 to win as the 3-1 second choice.
Integral, Lula’s Roadrunner, His Glory and Lady Fatima completed the order of finish.