Complexion set for stakes debut in $175K Schuylerville on Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course

The well-bred Complexion will look to build upon an impressive debut score when she headlines a talented field of 11 in Thursday’s Listed $175,000 Schuylerville, a six-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies, at Saratoga Race Course.

The Schuylerville, slated for Race 10 on Thursday’s 11-race card, kicks off stakes action on Opening Day of the 40-day summer meet at Saratoga, which features 71 stakes worth $20.75 million. First post is 1:10 p.m.

Trained by Danny Gargan for owners Arnmore Thoroughbreds and Carl and Yurie Pascarella, the Complexity chestnut, a half-sister to multiple Grade 1-winner Jack Christopher, is out of the Half Ours mare Rushin No Blushin – a half-sister to dual Grade 1-winner Street Boss.

It was not a smooth debut trip for Complexion, who bobbled at the break from the outermost post 9 under returning Hall of Fame pilot John Velazquez traveling five-furlongs on June 14 at Belmont at the Big A. However, she recovered quickly and was always in command thereafter through splits of 23.20 seconds and 46.41 over the fast main track en route to a 6 1/2-length score in a final time of 58.20. The winning effort garnered a field-best 77 Beyer Speed Figure.

“She stumbled at the start and was able to pick herself up,” Gargan said. “Johnny was probably the most confident I’ve ever had a jockey walk in the paddock with me. I never expect to win first out, and he looked over and said, ‘Well, you’re going to win first out today.’ It’s exciting to get to ride Johnny on a few good horses. He’s one of the best riders of all time. I’d love to win a stake with him.”

Complexion, bred in Kentucky by Castleton Lyons and Kilboy Estate, breezed back a half-mile in 49.25 seconds Thursday over the Spa’s Oklahoma dirt training track.

“She worked really well and we’re pleased with that. Hopefully, everything keeps going forward,” said Gargan, who secured his first American Classic win last month when Dornoch captured the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets. “I don’t win first time out, so that was pretty impressive to me. That’s probably the best first-time starter I’ve ever run. Her first race – I was really impressed with her.”

Velazquez, a record five-time Schuylerville winner, has the call from post 5.