Bolshoi Ballet in fine fettle ahead of G1 Saratoga Derby Invitational
At 0h05, on August 6, 2021 • By SARATOGA
Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg’s Bolshoi Ballet was installed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite for Saturdays’ Grade 1, $1 million Saratoga Derby Invitational, the second leg of NYRA’s Turf Triple series for sophomores.
In July, trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore combined to sweep the respective 10-furlong first legs of the Turf Triple series with Bolshoi Ballet rallying to a 1 1/4-length score in the Belmont Derby Invitational in a final time of 2:04.42 over good turf. Two races prior, highly-regarded filly Santa Barbara found a seam between rivals late in the lane under Moore to capture the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational, first leg of the Turf Triple series for sophomore fillies by a half-length in 2:03.76.
Bolshoi Ballet arrived at Saratoga Saturday with T.J. Comerford, O’Brien’s traveling assistant, again overseeing the preparations. Moore, in search of a first Saratoga win in his third attempt, will return to pilot Bolshoi Ballet from post 6 in the 11-horse field.
Bolshoi Ballet visited the Saratoga main track on Thursday morning under the watchful eye of Comerford, who said they are replicating the preparation from their Belmont Derby experience.
