Concrete Rose looks for second win as part of Turf Tiara series
By Stan Hudy
This is the first running of the Saratoga Oaks, currently the middle jewel in NYRA’s Turf Tiara series for fillies, run at 1 and 3/16-miles on the turf.
The NYRA series is joined by the male version, the Turf Trinity open to males to be run on Sunday.
“The Turf Trinity is designed to emulate the American dirt classics,” said Martin Panza, NYRA’s Senior Vice President of Racing Operations, in a statement. “The threerace, $3,000,000 series complements the schedule with no overlap of the American Triple Crown races while also providing international runners an opportunity to race against 3-year-olds later into the summer.”
Panza continued to express a value in this type of series and the demand from owners and trainers.
“As American racing moves more toward the turf, both series of races should enhance the value of turf stallions, mares, and quality turf runners. If this helps farms, breeders, sales companies and owners, while at the same time providing an exciting new racing event for race fans to follow, then our efforts will be well rewarded,” Panza said. “NYRA will continue to maintain a strong commitment towards our 3-year-old dirt schedule offering the best of both worlds. There has been tremendous industry support and NYRA would like to thank those involved for their understanding and cooperation.”
Concrete Rose won the opening round of the series, a two and threequarter length win with Julien Leparoux up in front of Just Wonderful and Cambier, the filly’s third-straight win. The dark brown horse opened 2019 winning the Florida Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay and Edgewood Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.