Damon's Mound Gets Break Before 3-Year-Old Campaign

Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) winner Damon's Mound  is getting a winter break before embarking on his sophomore campaign at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, according to trainer Michelle Lovell.

Michelle and Cliff Love's homebred son of Girvin   will rejuvenate at AppleRidge Farm, about 30 miles west of Lexington, with Lark Carroll. He will be joined by multiple stakes winner Just Might  and allowance winner Margie's Kitchen .

"He really doesn't want a break. He's really full of himself," said Lovell. "But we've never had a 2-year-old with this much talent, and we thought now would be a good time to let him be a horse and grow up some."

Lovell said Damon's Mound will get about 60 days off. When the colt might show up in a Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race will be determined by him, according to Lovell, though she's hopeful that will be an option when the time comes.

"He is a very exciting horse who gave us such a thrill at Saratoga this year; a real gift," Lovell said. "We are looking forward to more next year."

Damon's Mound won his debut by 12 1/2 lengths July 2 at Churchill Downs. He followed with a 3 1/4-length win in the Saratoga Special. Last out he got caught in a speed duel during the early running of the Iroquois Stakes (G3) and settled for sixth. He has earned $147,810 this year.