Matareya looks to continue upward trajectory in G1 Longines Test

Godolphin homebred Matareya has answered every question asked of her with aplomb this year, finding her best stride around one turn and posting a perfect 4-for-4 record that she will put on the line against six rivals in Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Longines Test, a seven-furlong sprint for sophomore fillies, at Saratoga Race Course.

The Test is one of three Grade 1 events on Saturday, led by the nine-furlong $1 million Whitney for older horses over the main track and the 1 3/16-mile $1 million Caesars Saratoga Derby for sophomores on the Mellon turf. The lucrative card also features the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls for older fillies and mares over the lawn; and the $135,000 Fasig-Tipton Lure, a restricted stakes for older horses travelling 1 1/16 miles over the turf.

Matareya has flourished this year under the care of conditioner Brad Cox after going 1-for-4 in her juvenile campaign. The bay daughter of the late Pioneerof the Nile has won her four outings this season by a combined 22 1/4 lengths, most recently scoring her first Grade 1 victory in the $500,000 Acorn on June 11 at Belmont Park.

“She’s doing really good,” said Cox. “She’s had four works here and she’s moving great. She’s happy. She’s a very low-maintenance filly to be honest. She’s quiet and really easy to train. She’s been very consistent this year, so I’m looking forward to the race on Saturday.”

Flavien Prat, who has piloted Matareya to each of her three graded wins this year, retains the mount from the inside post.