Klaravich Stables’ homebred Ways and Means put on a spectacular display of speed and class, drawing away to a commanding 7 3/4-length victory in the Grade 2, $300,000 Bed o’ Roses Stakes on Friday at Saratoga Race Course. The win reaffirmed her affinity for the Saratoga track, where she has now won four of her five starts.
From the start, the race unfolded as anticipated. Irish Maxima, despite a slightly tardy break from the inside post, rushed up to set the early pace, clocking the first quarter-mile in a swift 22.46 seconds. Piloted by Flavien Prat, Ways and Means settled comfortably just off the leader’s flank, stalking the pace with confidence.
As the field rounded the far turn, Prat gave Ways and Means her cue, and the 4-year-old daughter of Practical Joke responded with an explosive burst of speed.
She effortlessly took command from a tiring Irish Maxima and, despite a brief moment of drifting in, powered away from the competition in the stretch. A single tap of the crop from Prat was all that was needed as she coasted under the wire in a final time of 1:21.11 for the seven-furlong contest.
“She got herself into a good place right away,” Prat said after the race. “I felt like she was traveling good all the way around. She gave me a good run when I asked her to get going.”
Trainer Chad Brown, who also trained the winner’s sire, was equally impressed. “She loves Saratoga, and she’s a super nice horse,” Brown said. “I thought maybe it would be quite a showdown in the middle of the stretch there but [Ways and Means] did burst away from there, which was impressive.”
Scylla, who was bumped at the start, made a bold move along the rail but was no match for the winner, finishing a clear second. Jody’s Pride closed from off the pace to narrowly secure third, just ahead of Miss Justify.
The victory, her fifth in ten career starts, pushed the millionaire filly’s earnings to $997,500.
Owner Seth Klarman of Klaravich Stables was thrilled with the performance of his homebred, saying “She’s very special. We bred her, she’s only four and 5-for-10 now with just under a million dollars in winnings. She loves it here at Saratoga.”
While Brown was non-committal about her next start, the Grade 1 Ballerina on August 23rd could be a logical target for the talented filly.
Winning Connections
Winner: Ways And Means
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Breeder: Klaravich Stables
Bloodline: Bay Filly, by Practical Joke out of Strong Incentive, by Warrior’s Reward. Foaled March 23, 2021 in Kentucky.
Stallion Info: Practical Joke stands at Ashford Stud in Versailles, KY.($100,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)
Payouts
1st – (10) Ways And Means – Win: $10.00, Place: $9.00, Show: $8.00
2nd – (7) Scylla – Place: $7.00, Show: $6.00
3rd – (12) Jody’s Pride – Show: $5.00
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (10-7) Paid: $76.00, $1.00 Trifecta (10-7-12) Paid: $2,768.10, $1.00 Superfecta (10-7-12-1) Paid: $17,393.90
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