Coglianese /NYRA Photo Photo

Frostie Anne refuses to be denied in Saratoga Dew, win streak at 6

by Anthony Affrunti

Frostie Anne enjoyed a patient stalking trip under jockey Junior Alvarado en route to capturing the $100,000 Saratoga Dew on Friday at Saratoga Race Course by a half-length over Land Mine for her sixth straight victory.

The victory by the 5-year-old New York-bred daughter of Frost Giant was the second stakes score in a win streak that began with the Sis City at Aqueduct Racetrack in March and included an allowance win on August 12 at the Spa for trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who co-owns the mare with Michael Imperio.

"I have to thank Junior for a good ride," said the trainer, who earned his third straight win in the Saratoga Dew. "I just told him to put a little pressure on and don’t let them give the race up early up front. Junior did what he’s supposed to do and the filly is just game horse. We’re just lucky to have her in the barn."

Usually the one to catch, Frostie Anne was allowed to sit in second behind the pacesetting Verdant Pastures, who took the field of four others through an opening quarter mile in 23.86 seconds and a half-mile in 47.95. Heading into the far turn, Alvarado sent Frostie Anne up to take the lead from the fading pacesetter and she had enough left to hold off the late bid from favored Land Mine.

"She always digs in," said Rodriguez, who won the race in 2016 with Jules N Rome and the following year with Literata. "I knew when they hooked up to her she wouldn’t quit. She’s usually very headstrong and difficult in the mornings, but the last eight weeks she’s been very good, relaxed and comfortable. You always are concerned when they come back from short rest, but we’ll freshen her up from here and go forward."

Her winning time for the 1 1/8 miles was in 1:53.17 in earning her 13th win from 31 starts.

"Rudy’s done such a good job," Alvarado said. "Whatever he’s doing, she’s ready and comes through the races and gives you her ‘A’ game. She’s been trying in every race and really brings it.

"I wanted to go to the lead but at the same time I didn’t want to overuse her because it’s a mile and an eighth and we ran five days ago. I just tried to use her as much as I could. She broke good. I just sat off with her and when I asked her, she was there for me."

Rounding out the finish in the Saratoga Dew were Pink Twist, Frosty Margarita and Verdant Pastures. Held Accountable was scratched.

Frostie Anne returned $7.00 to win on a $2 wager.