Cavorting gets up in thrilling finish

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Besides being a contest that could go a long way toward determining who would finish second behind Beholder in the balloting for champion older female, Saturday’s $750,000 Personal Ensign Stakes also shaped up as a heck of a horse race.

It did not disappoint. With a furlong to run, the four favorites were spread across the track, each still in with a chance. Curalina was trying to put away stubborn pacesetter I’m a Chatterbox, but it was Cavorting who had the momentum, passing the other three as she came flying down the center of the track to prevail by an official half-length.

Forever Unbridled was another neck back in third, with I’m a Chatterbox another half back in fourth. Paid Up Subscriber was fifth and last. Cavorting covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1 minute, 48.61 seconds over a fast main track.

“My concern was that it was going to be two turns for her for the first time, and a mile-andan-eighth,” said winning rider Javier Castellano, on board for only the second time. “I had to save some ground and save something for the end. I was able to cover up a little bit, and then turning for home, the way she did it

was amazing. I had a lot of horse under me, and I absolutely felt the power.”

Cavorting actually broke first, but Castellano was able to take her back and secure a position on the rail. Though last at the first three calls, the 4-year-old filly was never far back. And when it came time to move, she immediately shifted into gear, finding a clear lane to the outside and closing under a perfectly timed hand ride by Castellano.

“She ran terrific,” winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said of the Stonestreet Stables filly. “Javier got her back, and the others went four wide. He saved ground, and I think that was the

The victory gives Cavorting back-to-back Grade 1 wins and improves her record to 8-1-1 in 13 starts.

key to the race. That was an important move he made into the first turn.”

The victory gives Cavorting back-to-back Grade 1 wins and improves her record to 8-1-1 in 13 starts. The $400,000 winner’s share bumps her lifetime earnings to $2,063,000.

It was tough beat for place horses Curalina and Forever Unbrldled.

“What a horse race,” exclaimed Dallas Stewart, who conditions Forever Unbridled. “She just got outrun. No excuses.”