AP Indian wins Grade 1 Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga

15 Aug 2016

     AP Indian, the lightly raced six-year-old son of Ender's Sister, just keeps improving.  On July 30, he stormed home to a convincing win over favored Holy Boss in the 32nd running of the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at historic Saratoga Race Track.  The grade 1 race carried a purse of $350,000.

     AP Indian was able to relax behind the early pacesetters who carved out quick early fractions of 22.2 and 44.3.  AP was able to overcome the leaders by the half mile pole with Holy Boss lapped on his outside by a half length.  From there, the two battled closely until finally the winner finally proved decisively best from the 1/16th pole on.  The final margin was in excess of a clear length.  Final time for the six furlongs was a blistering 1:08.25, just one tick off the track record of 1:08.

     AP came out of the race in good shape and may be able to bounce back in time for the Forego at Saratoga around Labor Day.  The Vosburgh at Belmont on October 1 is also a possibility, but we will let him tell us he next move.

     Daily Racing Form has him at the top of the east coast sprinters and in the top four in the country.  With Runhappy's connections leaning toward stretching him out, that may leave opportunites for sprinters like AP Indian.

     Interestingly, AP Indian's little brother, It's All Relevant (2013 by Hard Spun) ran third in the Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes a few races prior at Saratoga.  Indiana Derby (Grade 2) winner Tiz Shea D (2012 by Tiznow) continues his comeback, working at Saratoga as well.  Hey, Dragon Army, no pressure...

Images
AP wins Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt win photo

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