State of Rest Rolls Home In Saratoga Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

STATE OF REST (IRE) (c, 3, Starspangledbanner {Aus}–Repose, by Quiet American) took over a furlong from home and sped clear to cause a 21-1 upset in Saturday's $1-million GI Saratoga Derby at the Spa. Drawn nine in a field of 11, the Joseph O'Brien trainee jumped fairly and was able to get over and save some ground beneath John Velazquez, setting in about sixth position and racing in free air as Cellist (Big Blue Kitten) led them along at a solid clip. Maintaining that mid-pack position down the backstretch, but in touch at the back of the leading group, State of Rest raced three back the fence on the back of Du Jour (Temple City) as they rounded the second turn. Going well entering the stretch, he was pulled out and across the heels of favored GI Belmont Derby hero Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Australia {GB}) nearing the furlong grounds, took command and swept clear. Soldier Rising (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was last to make the first turn and lingered towards the rear, then rallied inside to complete the exacta. Du Jour kept on for third. State of Rest is the third top-level scorer for his sire (by Choisir {GB}) and first going a route of ground, joining G1 Prix Morny hero The Wow Signal (Ire) and G1 Cheveley Park Stud S. victress Millisle (Ire). Repose is the dam of a Dandy Man (Ire) filly set to go under the hammer at the Goffs Orby Sale and is back in foal to Sea the Stars (Ire). O-Teme Valley; B-Tinnakill Bloodstock Ltd; T-Joseph O'Brien.

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