Mitole, Imperial Hint duke it out in Vandy
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Although only seven horses could be rounded up for today’s $350,000 A. G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1), the field is a stellar one. It includes this year’s top sprinter, an Eclipse finalist from 2018, and a couple of other worthies who cannot be counted out – especially since they’ll be receiving a 7-8-pound advantage in the weights.
The highweight and even-money favorite is Mitole, who is unbeaten in his last seven starts. After racing exclusively at six furlongs in his first nine outings, the 4-year-old Eskendereya colt stretched out to seven furlongs and then a mile to notch his first G1s, respectively, in the Churchill Downs Stakes and Met Mile. Mitole will take some beating in this spot, especially since he should be the controlling speed from the no. 1 hole. Regular rider Ronaldo Santana Jr. will be aboard for Steve Asmussen and owners L. William and Corinne Heiligbrodt.
Imperial Hint (3-1), the defending champ in the Vanderbilt, will be making just his third start of the year. The 6-year-old Imperialism horse finished third in both races, most recently in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) in late March. Anyone who thinks the Florida-bred may have lost his edge should consider that Imperialism has fired four consecutive bullet works at Monmouth Park. Javier Castellano will take the reins for Luis Carrajal Jr. and owner Raymond Mamone.
In the event of a pace meltdown, Firenze Fire (92) would be the most likely beneficiary. The 5-year-old son of Poseidon’s Warrior is coming off a fifth-place finish in the Met Mile, but two starts back he zipped six furlongs in 1:08 flat at Belmont, earning a big speed figure. Firenze Fire gets seven pounds from Mitole. Irad Ortiz Jr rides for Jason Servis and Mr Amore Stable.
The improving Strike Power is granted some respect at 6-1. The Speightstown colt came within a half-length of holding off the formidable Catalina Cruiser last month in the True North (G2) at Belmont. After fading late in the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby, Strike Power has been trying shorter distances. This will be his first try at six furlongs, however. Mark Hennig conditions the Courtlandt Farms homebred. John Velazquez will be in the irons.
Diamond Oops (12-1), Mr. Crow (15-1) and Do Share (15-1) complete the Vanderbilt field.