Gold Mover Remains Undefeated

Edward Evans' homebred 2-year-old filly Gold Mover remained undefeated from four career races after narrowly holding off maiden Seeking It All in the $108,200 Schuylerville Stakes (gr. II), the opening day feature Wednesday at Saratoga. Gold Mover repeated the front-running tactics used in her Debutante Stakes (gr. III) win at Churchill Downs earlier this month on the way to her neck win. Under Craig Perret, she stopped the timer in 1:10.33 after six furlongs run on a fast track.

While Gold Mover raced on the lead through an opening quarter in :22.63, second wagering choice Miss Doolittle was pinched back at the start and was then rank while under restraint from jockey Robbie Davis. Miss Doolittle, racing on Lasix for the first time in her third career start, then rushed up on the inside to challenge Gold Mover on the turn. As they straightened for home after a half run in :45.86, Miss Doolittle assumed a narrow lead and brushed with the winner in upper stretch. Gold Mover cleared the field by 2 1/2 lengths at the stretch call and resisted the late challenge of 19-1 longshot Seeking It All. Miss Doolittle came home third, followed by Caught Out and About Respect.

"I was kind of surprised when Robbie (Davis, aboard Miss Doolittle) made that inside move; I thought it was a bit premature," said Perret. "When I asked my horse, she just took off and discouraged that filly."

Evans has a deep 2-year-old filly division in the care of trainer Mark Hennig, including the unbeaten $80,000 Fashion Stakes winner With Ability. With Ability was scratched from the Schuylerville after coughing on Tuesday. "She has no temperature and I think she will be fine in four or five days," said Hennig. 

The win marks Gold Mover's third graded stakes win. Before winning the Debutante, she beat males in the Kentucky Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. III) on Memorial Day at Churchill Downs. Gold Mover (Gold Fever--Intentional Move, by Tentam) earned $64,920 for the win.

The heavy favorite, Gold Mover returned $3.20, $2.40, and $2.10. The winning exacta combination returned $27.20. 

Hennig indicated the seven-furlong Spinaway (gr. I) at Saratoga September 1 as the likely next start for Gold Mover. He said With Ability remains possible for the Sorority Stakes (gr. III) at Monmouth Park August 12.