It's possible that trainer Christophe Clement could have three starters in the June 7 $1 million Manhattan Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course: Deterministic, Carson's Run, and Far Bridge.
"Let's train them and see where we go." Clement said. "It's a good problem to have."
Of the three graded stakes winners, the one sure thing is that Far Bridge will be there at the Manhattan, provided everything stays on track over the next month of training.
A dual grade 1 winner a year ago, LSU Stables' Far Bridge continued a sharp start to his 5-year-old season by cruising to a comfortable length victory in the $388,000 Man o' War Stakes (G2T) May 10 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
"He goes to the Manhattan for sure. Let's not make it too complicated," Clement said about the son of English Channel. "He was impressive. He seems to be more mature."
Coming off a season-opening win in the Pan American Stakes (G3T), Far Bridge faced only four rivals in the 1 3/8-mile Man o' War on good turf, which played nicely into his versatility. A grade 1 winner both on the front end and rallying from the rear, jockey Joel Rosario was able to keep Far Bridge third early on as Decanted and Capture the Flag were 1-2 through fractions of :49.99 and 1:15.58. Then, while approaching the final turn, he made an aggressive move with the 3-10 favorite along the rail to grab the lead.
After that, the result was academic as the 4-1 second choice Anglophile took aim at Far Bridge in the stretch but could not gain a serious amount of ground.
"He could go to the lead, but I didn't want him to because I was a little bit worried about the ground," Clement said. "The ride was perfect. (Anglophile) had the whole stretch to catch us and he couldn't."
Far Bridge ($2.60), bred by Calumet Farm out of the Kitten's Joy mare Fitpitcher, posted his eighth victory in 16 starts and lifted his earnings to $2,142,980. He covered the 1 3/8 miles in 2:17.24.
"It was a good trip," Rosario said. "You know, on the best horse in the race, I was looking for a clean trip and we (got it). He showed he was the best horse."
Michael Thomas Paradis' Anglophile, also a son of English Channel trained by Brian Lynch, was second by five lengths over Imaginary Stables' Padiddle, an Empire Maker gelding trained by Fernando Abreu.
"I tried to catch up, but it was second best today," said Javier Castellano, who rode Anglophile.
