Firenze Fire ignites in G3 Sanford

by Najja Thompson

Making only his second start, Mr Amore Stable's Firenze Fire proved to have enough left in the tank to extinguish his competitors capturing the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Breaking from post 3 at odds of 12-1 with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, Firenze Fire stalked in third position as Baffin and Psychoanalyze dueled in front, leading the field of eight through fractions of 22.27 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and the half in 46.06.

At the five-sixteenths pole, Firenze Fire was angled out three-wide and set in full drive, overtaking the leaders at the three-sixteenths pole. Firenze Fire went on to claim the victory by one length at the wire.

He completed the six-furlong distance in 1:11.50.

"It's his second time out. He did everything right," said Ortiz. "I threw the reins at him and he really liked it. He was working really good in the mornings, so he's in good condition. He really was there for me. He looked like a really nice horse. Hopefully he stays sound and healthy."

Returning $27.00 for a $2 win wager, the victory increased the Florida-bred colt by Poseidon's Warrior earnings to $111,600.

"The horse has always been very classy, but when he won the first time, I was a little surprised," said winning trainer Jason Servis. "He won going away and there really wasn't much around. We thought this is where we've got to take a shot and it all worked out, which is very exciting."

"I think he'll run long. I asked Irad and he thinks he'll run long. He's kind of laid back. I think he'll get seven-eighths [for the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful on September 4]. I think he'll get a mile, mile and quarter, really. He's that kind of horse.

Following Free Drop Billy in second was Psychoanalyze, Baffin, Bal Harbour, Admiral Jimmy and Nauti Buoy.