Igniter ‘One of the Ones’ in the Remsen

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. had the spot picked out immediately following Igniter (Volatile)'s impressive maiden win going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct Sept. 27.

“Right away I said, 'Man, we got to sit on him and run him in the Remsen,'” Dutrow said. “'If he's looking for two turns, he's gonna be one of the ones.'”

Igniter is one of 12 set for a fantastic renewal of the GII Remsen Stakes going 1 1/8 miles at the Big A Saturday. Drawn in post seven with Manny Franco in the irons, he is listed at odds of 6-1 on the morning-line.

The Three Chimneys Farm homebred exits a pair of very productive maiden special weights.

Igniter was featured in these pages following a wide-trip, third-place finish at 26-1 behind 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Golden Tornado (McKinzie) sprinting on debut at Saratoga Aug. 9. The runner-up Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) returned with a 'Rising Star' performance on Saratoga's closing day program Sept. 1 and has since added a win in the Jean Lafitte S. at Delta Downs Nov. 26. Pulpit S. winner and Awad S. runner-up Glorious Boy (Independence Hall) was also a well-beaten sixth that day.

Igniter raced on top of a quick pace and ran to the money at a well-backed even-money at second asking with a one-length victory over promising next-out winner Rebel Instinct (Into Mischief), good for an 80 Beyer Speed Figure. The re-opposing full-brother to MGISW Clairiere and $5-million Keeneland September topper Courting (Curlin), a maiden winner at Aqueduct Nov. 9, was fourth in that same contest.

Igniter has breezed nine times over Belmont's training track ahead of his two-turn debut, highlighted by a four-furlong bullet in :48 (1/25) Nov. 11.

Rick Dutrow all smiles following Igniter's maiden win at the Big A | Walter Wlodarczyk

“We took him up to Saratoga, he was a complete gentleman, just as good as he could be, and he ran a big race,” Dutrow said. “I felt like I won a stakes race watching him run that race. I was just thrilled.”

Dutrow continued, “Then he trains unbelievable going to his next race and he runs huge first time going a mile at Aqueduct. Since then he's been training better and better and just in such an unbelievable zone. I cannot wait to watch this guy run again because he's training like he's looking for this right now.”

Offering 10-5-3-2-1 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Remsen also features GI Champagne S. runner-up Talkin (Good Magic); and a highly anticipated rematch between Renegade (Into Mischief) and Paladin (Gun Runner) following a much-discussed disqualification at the Big A Oct. 17. Renegade, a head in front at the wire, had his number taken down for bumping into Paladin close to home.

“We belong being loaded in the gate with them,” Dutrow said. “We're looking to nail two turns. If we do, and if some of the others do, it will be a heck of a horse race.”

Dutrow concluded with a laugh, “It doesn't look like a weak spot, you know what I mean?”

Igniter hails from the second crop of Three Chimneys Farm sophomore sire Volatile, winner of the 2020 GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. Igniter was produced by Edward P. Evans homebred Malibu Prayer (Malibu Moon), winner of the 2010 GI Ruffian Invitational H. going 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga. Malibu Prayer brought $2 million from Besilu Stables at the Evans dispersal at the 2011 Keeneland November Sale. She was subsequently purchased privately by Three Chimneys.

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