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​Dr Ardito storms from last-to-first to take $125K Evan Shipman

by Mary Eddy

Michael Dubb and Michael Caruso’s Dr Ardito gave four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown a stakes double on Friday at Saratoga Race Course with an off-the-pace victory in the $125,000 Evan Shipman Handicap, a one-mile main track test for New York-breds 3-years-old and up. 

The Evan Shipman triumph came less than 30 minutes after Brown sent out Carl Spackler to win the featured Grade 2, $500,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, which also saw his trainee Appraise finish a game second. Brown enjoyed two additional wins on the Friday card with maiden special weight-winner Moore’s Law in Race 1 and optional claiming-winner Kalifornia Queen in Race 3. 

“My team. They've done so much work. I'm telling you, every division contributed today,” said Brown. “Many team members touched all four of these horses today that won, and there's so many moving parts at Saratoga's meet and they really came through today. I'm really proud of them and on big days like this it is rewarding for me to see them get the recognition and success that they work towards, day in and day out. And I hope they are very proud of all their work today.”

Dr Ardito emerged from post 2 under regular pilot Manny Franco and kept 5 1/2 lengths back of the top trio of Sheriff Bianco, Barese and Bankit, who battled for the lead rounding the first turn and into the backstretch before Sheriff Bianco stepped clear to mark an opening quarter-mile in 24.01 seconds over the fast main track. 

Post time favorite Americanrevolution bobbled at the break and was the lone horse behind Dr Ardito into the backstretch, but was urged to track closer to the pace and left Dr Ardito alone at the back of the five-horse field through a half-mile in 47.28. Sheriff Bianco held a strong lead into the final turn as Americanrevolution took over third position from Bankit and closed with purpose to the outside of a tiring Barese.

Dr Ardito swung widest of all exiting the turn and had plenty of work to do as Americanrevolution looked poised to sweep past Sheriff Bianco and draw off down the lane, but a resolute Sheriff Bianco turned back the challenge and drew clear as Americanrevolution faded in the center of the course. Dr Ardito found more under steady urging from Franco and passed the tiring favorite to take dead aim at Sheriff Bianco in the final hundred yards, sweeping past his brave rival to land the 1 1/4-length victory in a final time of 1:37.77.

Sheriff Bianco held place honors by four lengths over Bankit with Americanrevolution and Barese completing the order of finish. Lobsta, Sundaeswithsandy and Whittington Park were scratched. 

Dr Ardito entered from a close fourth in the Commentator on May 29 at Belmont Park where he emerged from the inside post in a 12-horse field, similar to a fifth-place effort two starts back when racing on the inside in the Grade 3 Westchester. Brown praised the ride from Franco in the Evan Shipman and said maneuvering the grey gelding to the outside was imperative. 

“Two trips in a row this horse doesn't want to be inside and we all know that, but that is just the way the trips worked out - no fault of Manny's,” said Brown. “I was just telling Acacia [Clement, NYRA TV] that he has taken the time and effort to really understand this horse and any horses he's riding. He's a smart young jockey and he knows what the best trip is for this horse and an opportunity came up down the backside to get him outside and follow the favorite and put him where he's happy to see if he's good enough. And it was really the winning move.”

The Shipman marked the eighth stakes coup of the meet for Brown, and the second of Dr Ardito’s career after he won the Haynesfield in February at Aqueduct Racetrack to cap a six-race win streak that began with a second-out graduation in April 2021 and included an open allowance coup last May at Belmont. 

Brown said it was rewarding to see the son of Liam’s Map finally start at Saratoga in his 5-year-old season and become a winner at each of NYRA’s three racetracks. 

“It goes to show you how tough it is for certain horses with timing,” said Brown. “When they do have issues and when you have to stop on them. This horse constantly missed Saratoga for one reason or another and I'm happy he had his day today in front of everybody." 

Franco, who has been aboard for each of Dr Ardito’s 10 starts, said Friday’s victory was meaningful. 

“I knew I had to ride him, but I also knew that’s what he likes,” said Franco. “He likes to be ridden and he’ll give it to you every time you ask him. I’ve ridden this horse since his debut, so he’s special to me. He’s a lot more mature. He knows where the wire is and he tries every time he runs. I’m just grateful to be on him.”

Bred by Fred W. Hertrich, III and John D. Fielding, the consistent Dr Ardito improved his record to 10-7-1-0 and banked $68,750 in victory. He returned $15.20 for a $2 win ticket. 

Live racing resumes Saturday at Saratoga with an 11-race card featuring the $150,000 Galway in Race 7, the Grade 2, $200,000 Herb Moelis Memorial Saratoga Special in Race 8 and the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap, which offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, in Race 9. First post is 1:10 p.m. Eastern.             

Saratoga Live will present live coverage and analysis of the Saratoga Race Course summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the broadcast schedule and channel finder, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/tv-schedule/. 

NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Saratoga Race Course, and the best way to bet every race of the summer meet. Available to horse players nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.