Stonestreet Stable's Forest Music took immediate control of Friday's $150,000 Honorable Miss Handicap (G2) at Saratoga Race Course and didn't let go, as she blazed away to a two-length victory over Ebony Breeze. The 4-year-old daughter of Unbridled's Song outran some fast fillies as she shot off fractions of :21 4/5; :44 2/5; :56 2/5 and won driving in 1:10. She returned a generous $9.80 to win.
"She seems like she's walking," said winning jockey John Velazquez. "They told me she is really fast. She was so calm, I was a little concerned about it. I kept her quiet. When the doors opened, she was gone. When I asked her, she went on again."
Forest Music, purchased for $325,000 in Fasig-Tipton's February two-year-olds sale of 2003, was the 3,000th career winner for trainer Steve Asmussen, who was entered in several races across the country today. "It is extra significant to win it (3,000 victories) in a stakes race at Saratoga with a filly like this," Asmussen said. "It is kind of how the career evolved, when there is a filly like this that the owner paid so much money for and moved into my barn. There is no success without that opportunity. Needless to say, I'm pleased that they (Stonestreet Stable) let us train her. She acted extremely well today and it was a sign of things to come. She broke well, got away well and relaxed the last eighth of a mile. When (Velazquez) dropped her head to clear, he had to make the choice to go for the lead or relax her. When they were getting down to the turn, I was much happier to see her where she was than five-wide."
Favored Bank Audit was four and a half lengths back in third, but ran well late. "She came flying," said trainer Frank LaBoccetta. "Down the backside, she was getting hit with a lot of dirt. She ran a good race. This will set her up good for the Ballerina." Saratoga's Grade 1, $250,000 Ballerina Handicap at seven furlongs will be run on Sunday, August 28th.
Molto Vita, Umpateedle, Fortress Hill, Storm Minstrel and High Peaks completed the order of finish.
