Upstart Training Well for Whitney

Ralph Evans and WinStar Farm's Upstart is on point for the $1.25 million Whitney Stakes (gr. I) at 1 1/8 miles Aug. 6 at Saratoga Race Course, but trainer Rick Violette Jr. is well aware of the competition.

"It's going to be a small field but I think it's a deep bunch, and if Frosted runs back to his Met Mile, we're all running for second," Violette told New York Racing Association media officials.

Godolphin Stables' Frosted won the June 11 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) by 14 1/4 lengths over Anchor Down in a dazzling performance. Upstart, a 4-year-old Flatter   ridgling, finished another length behind in third.

New York-bred Upstart, who won the Razerback Handicap (gr. III) to begin his 2016 campaign, will again wear blinkers as he did in the Met Mile.

"He's doing wonderfully," Violette said. "We breezed him out of the gate with blinkers on and he was a rocket. He has been a little bit tardy leaving the gate and taking the last seat available rather than getting in a spot that would be most advantageous. Hopefully he breaks clean and (jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.) can put him wherever he thinks is best."

The Whitney and Longines Test (gr. I) are among five stakes on the Saturday "Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing" program.