Imperial Hint Eyes Familiar Path Back to Breeders' Cup

Raymond Mamone's Imperial Hint brought the Saratoga Race Course faithful to their feet with a jaw-dropping performance in the July 27 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1), repeating his 2018 victory in track-record time.

Trainer Luis Carvajal Jr. said Imperial Hint will likely follow the same schedule as last year and point next to the Sept. 28 Vosburgh Stakes (G1), a six-furlong sprint at Belmont Park which serves as a "Win and You're In" challenge race offering an automatic berth into the Nov. 2 TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita Park.

"If everything is going well, we'll follow the same path and run back in the Vosburgh and hopefully get a ticket to the Breeders' Cup," said Carvajal.

Imperial Hint led every step of the 2018 Vosburgh before finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs.

The 6-year-old son of Imperialism covered the Vanderbilt's six furlongs in 1:07.92 Saturday, lowering the mark first set by Spanish Riddle, who ran in 1:08 in 1972, and Speightstown , who captured the 2004 renewal of the Vanderbilt in 1:08.04.

The effort earned Imperial Hint a 114 Beyer Speed Figure.

Carvajal said he enjoyed all the emotions of the moment, particularly when the Saratoga patrons rose to their feet to cheer Imperial Hint as he entered the winner's circle.

"Last year, we won this race and it was the first grade 1 for the horse, for the owner, and for me. It was great, but this time, it just gave me goosebumps to bring him back to the winner's circle and everyone was standing up cheering for him," the trainer said. "Imperial Hint deserves all the credit. He's not a big-sized horse and he doesn't have the perfect pedigree, but he's all heart. It's amazing what this animal can make you feel.

"Just hearing the people cheering for him, it was special. We have a small stable, and for something like this to happen to me at 47 years old, it's hard to believe. It probably won't sink in for a few more days. To see my horse on the cover of the paper, it's incredible."

Carvajal said Imperial Hint, who shipped from Monmouth Park into trainer Chad Summers' barn for the Vanderbilt, benefited from local hospitality and was relaxed Saturday afternoon ahead of his record-setting performance.

"I left the barn to go and get changed, and when I came back later, Imperial Hint was laying down sleeping, just resting up for the race," said Carvajal. "He's very happy here in Chad Summers' barn. We used to run against each other with Mind Your Biscuits, and Chad loves this horse. He gave us everything we needed, and if the horse is comfortable, I'm comfortable."

Imperial Hint will continue to enjoy his time at Saratoga July 28, particularly as his stall in Summers' barn offers a view of the main track, before heading home to New Jersey later in the evening.

"He ate up good and went out for a walk and grazed a little bit. All is good," said Carvajal. "He's going to be watching all the races today through his window in the back of the stall. I'm sure he'll be entertained all afternoon watching the races. On the track in the morning, he just loves to stand and watch the horses going by. I think he loves it here at Saratoga."