One of the most compelling
rivalries in sports could see its next chapter unfold at Saratoga on August 28 in
the 62nd running of the Grade 1, $300,000 Personal Ensign for fillies
and mares.
The 1 ¼-mile race remains under
serious consideration for both Blind
Luck and Havre de Grace, who
have split decisions in their two meetings this year.
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, who
will be inducted into racing’s Hall of Fame on Friday, said the Personal Ensign
remains very much on the radar for Blind Luck, who last year defeated Havre de
Grace by a neck in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Alabama.
Overall, the two have meet six
times, with Blind Luck also victorious in the 2010 Delaware Oaks and a thrilling
edition of the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap on July 16, and Havre de Grace
triumphant in the 2010 Grade 2 Fitz-Cotillion at Parx Racing and the Grade 3
Azeri at Oaklawn Park on March 19.
In their other meeting, Blind
Luck and Havre de Grace finished second and third, respectively, behind
Unrivaled Belle in the 2010 Grade 1
Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic.
“The Personal Ensign was always
on the table, but I am also looking real hard at the Pacific Classic on the same
day [at Del Mar],” said Hollendorfer, who is
scheduled to arrive in Saratoga on Thursday. “We haven’t made a
decision, and there’s no timetable because we’re still a ways out from the
28th. It’s easy to plan your workout schedule when the races are on
the same day.”
Blind Luck, 12-7-2 from 21
starts, returned from the Delaware Handicap to breeze five furlongs in 1:00.40
at Del Mar on
August 5.
Meanwhile, owner Rick Porter said
he and trainer Larry Jones are leaning toward the Personal Ensign, rather than
the Grade 1 Woodward against older males a week later, as the next start for
Havre de Grace.
“Right now, we are leaning
heavily toward the Personal Ensign,” said Porter. “There are a couple of things
that could change that, one being if there were a lot of defections by Whitney
horses from the Woodward. But I would say we are 85 percent to run in the
Personal Ensign.”
On Monday, Havre de Grace, who is
6-4-2 from 12 starts, worked five furlongs at Delaware Park in 1:00.00.