Short Rest No Problem For Frostie Anne in Saratoga Dew
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coglianese Photos
Frostie Anne wins the 2018 Saratoga Dew
Short rest proved no issue for Frostie Anne as the daughter of Frost Giant captured the $100,000 Saratoga Dew Stakes Aug. 17 at Saratoga Race Course by a half-length over Land Mine for her sixth straight victory.
The 5-year-old New York-bred mare picked up her second stakes score during a win streak that began with the Sis City Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack in March and included an allowance win Aug. 12 at the Spa for trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who co-owns the mare with Michael Imperio. Friday saw Frostie Anne enjoy a patient stalking trip under jockey Junior Alvarado en route to earning her 13th career win from 31 starts.
"I have to thank Junior for a good ride," said the trainer, who earned his third straight win in the Saratoga Dew. "I just told him to put a little pressure on and don't let them give the race up early up front. Junior did what he's supposed to do and the filly is just game horse. We're just lucky to have her in the barn."
Usually the one to catch, Frostie Anne was allowed to race in second behind the pacesetting Verdant Pastures, who took the field of four others through an opening quarter-mile in :23.86 and a half-mile in :47.95. Heading into the far turn, Alvarado sent Frostie Anne up to take the lead from the fading pacesetter and she had enough left to hold off the late bid from favored Land Mine.
"She always digs in," Rodriguez said. "I knew when they hooked up to her she wouldn't quit. She's usually very headstrong and difficult in the mornings, but the last eight weeks she's been very good, relaxed and comfortable. You always are concerned when they come back from short rest, but we'll freshen her up from here and go forward."
Her winning time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:53.17 over a track rated fast.
"Rudy's done such a good job," Alvarado said. "Whatever he's doing, she's ready and comes through the races and gives you her 'A' game. She's been trying in every race and really brings it.
"I wanted to go to the lead but at the same time I didn't want to overuse her because it's a mile and an eighth and we ran five days ago. I just tried to use her as much as I could. She broke good. I just sat off with her and when I asked her, she was there for me."
Rounding out the finish in the Saratoga Dew were Pink Twist, Frosty Margarita and Verdant Pastures. Held Accountable was scratched.
Frostie Anne was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Grant L. Whitmer out of the Toccet mare Lake Toccet. She improved her career bankroll to $438,998.