Photo: NYRA - Adam Coglianese
Sometimes,
there is nothing wrong with being a little sentimental.
When
scouting talent at the OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training, trainer
Rick Violette thought a colt by Read the Footnotes – whom he trained to graded
stakes wins in the Nashua,
Remsen, and Fountain of Youth – was a worthy purchase.
“The
fact he was by Read the Footnotes did play a small role in our decision
to buy him, but we try not to be too sentimental,” said Violette. “He was a
fast 2-year-old, and he looked the part. He was well balanced and had a good
hip and shoulder, and he didn’t break the bank, either, as we bought him for
$70,000.”
The
colt, now named Read the Contract, delivered on the potential he showed at the
sale when he broke his maiden by six lengths at Aqueduct on November 26 to join
the New York Watch, which profiles up-and-comers that have recently cleared the
maiden ranks at Aqueduct, Belmont
Park,
and Saratoga Race Course.
Read
the Contract’s career began inauspiciously at Saratoga on August 8 as the colt
got loose during warm ups after dumping jockey Javier Castellano, dueled for
the early lead, and faltered badly to finish last of seven.
“He
ran off before the race and did too much, and he ended up bleeding,” said
Violette. “We gave him six weeks off to help him get over the disastrous
experience.”
With
that setback behind him, Read the Contract returned in a six-furlong maiden
special weight for New York-breds last week. He once again showed early zip,
but this time he steadily extended his advantage to register an easy victory
under new rider Alex Solis. The final time of 1:10.35 was good for a Beyer
Speed Figure of 98, seventh highest among 2-year-olds so far in 2010.
“We
were concerned he’d bleed again, or he’d show negative effects in the paddock
or on the way to the starting gate from the disastrous race,” said Violette.
“He passed all the tests as he was able to control himself. We’ll let him cool
his heals after this race and make sure he doesn’t too much right after that
performance.”
Read
the Contract is owned by Seth Klarman’s Klaravich Stables and William H.
Lawrence, with the former having campaigned Read the Footnotes. Bred by
Thomas-Narlinger LLC, Read the Contract is the third foal and second winner out
of his unraced dam, Devin’s Abbey.