Trainer John Morrison is hoping to win his first Saratoga stakes with Acey Deucey in Saturday's Test Stakes (gr. I) at seven furlongs. Judging from Acey Deucey's credentials going in the $250,000 race for 3-year-old fillies, the conditioner stands a good chance.
A New York-bred, Acey Deucey recently won the Prioress Stakes (gr. I) at six furlongs at Belmont Park and took the Comely (gr. II) and Dearly Precious Stakes at Aqueduct earlier this year.
"I think we've got a decent shot," Morrison said. "She's gotten better in each start. Going into the Prioress, we weren't sure where she fit against some of those horses. No one was looking for us in the Prioress. This time, somebody will have their eye on us."
Acey Deucey, who has won four of six starts this year, will carry top weight of 122 pounds.
Trainer Patrick Biancone is hoping that Sense of Style replicates her previous Saratoga form. As a 2-year-old last year at the Spa, Sense of Style broke her maiden at first asking, then won the Spinaway Stakes (gr. II). She finished third to Acey Deucey in the Prioress in just her second start this year.
"I think she's coming along well," Biancone said. "Her last race makes me believe she's heading in the right direction. I think the seven furlongs really suits her well for the race and I really think she will pass the test - I believe she can win this race."
Also entered for the Test are the top two finishers from the July 10 Azalea Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. III) at Calder Race Course. California shipper Leave Me Alone finished a nose in front of Hide and Chic in the six-furlong Azelea. The Azalea was Leave Me Alone's second stakes win, her first coming in the restricted Melair Stakes at Hollywood Park in April. Prior to the Azalea, Hide and Chic won the Swept Away Stakes at Calder. She is coupled with In the Gold in the Test.
Test Stakes 8th Race Time 4:47
Horse Post Trainer Jockey Weight
1. Leave Me Alone Eric Kruljac Kent Desormeaux 118
2. Pommes Frites Bill Mott Cornelio Velasquez 116
3. In the Gold Nick Zito Gary Stevens 120
4. Maddalena Todd Pletcher John Velazquez 118
5. Acey Deucey John Morrison Diane Nelson 122
6. Aspen Tree Carl Nafzger Javier Castellano 116
7. Sense of Style Patrick Biancone Edgar Prado 120
8. Lady Pegasus Robert Frankel Ramon Dominguez 116
9. Flying Glitter Ronny Werner Robby Albarado 116
10.Hide and Chic Nick Zito Jerry Bailey 116
Coupled: In the Gold and Hide and Chic; Maddalena and Sense of Style
