Far From Over 'primed' for Seattle Slew

by NYRA Press Office

Black Rock Thoroughbred's Far From Over seeks his first stakes win in more than two years today when he takes on five challengers in the $100,000 Seattle Slew, contested over 1 1/8 miles on Big Sandy at Belmont Park. 

The talented 5-year-old ridgling has had a hard luck career, making only six starts even though he broke his maiden at Aqueduct first time out as a two-year-old on December 12, 2014. The son of Blame, out of Alchemist by A.P. Indy, followed up his maiden win with an impressive performance capturing the Grade 3 Withers in February 2015, earning him Kentucky Derby buzz. But, that's when the promising career took a turn.  

A condylar fracture in his left hind leg led to surgery and a layoff of 15 months. Upon his return to racing, Far From Over posted an eye-popping 104 Beyer Speed Figure in an optional claiming race at Belmont Park on June 24, 2016 to remain undefeated. In his next start, Far From Over finished sixth in the Alydar at Saratoga and once again injuries forced trainer Todd Pletcher to rest his gifted runner for 10 months. 

"It can be tough, but we knew he had talent so we kind of took our time with him. It's been paying off so we will continue to keep a close eye on him every step of the way and he has been doing alright lately," said Byron Hughes, assistant trainer to Pletcher.  

This year, Far From Over returned to racing in the Grade 3 Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park, finishing a distant seventh in a field of nine. But last time out, he showed signs of his old self, finishing second in an optional claiming race at Saratoga on July 27. 

"He is a big heavy horse so it might take him a little longer to get fully fit but I think we have him primed now, he is doing well," Hughes added.  

Far From Over will break from the outside post as the 7-5 morning line favorite with Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano aboard. 

Brendan Walsh trainee Conquest Windycity looks to be the likely early speed in the race. Coming off a third-place finish in the Alydar at Saratoga on August 6, the Tiznow colt breaks from post 3 at 2-1 morning line odds, with Kendrick Carmouche in the saddle. 

Rounding out the field is Leo O'Brien trainee Backsideofthemoon, moving back to dirt after four races on the turf, who will break from the rail with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez; drawing post 2 is Doyouknowsomething for trainer A.C. Avila with jockey Eric Cancel; in post 4 is Securitz for trainer Jimmy Jerkens with Manny Franco in the irons; and breaking from post 5 is Rudy Rodriguez trainee Royal Posse with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the saddle.