Brown trio Exit Diana in Good Form; ‘Gronk’ on target for Travers

[Wandering Eyes]

Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie), A Raving Beauty (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and New Money Honey (Medaglia d’Oro), first, third and sixth, respectively, in Saturday’s GI Diana at Saratoga, came out of the race well according to trainer Chad Brown yesterday morning.

“[Sistercharlie]’s good,” said Brown. “She’s such an exceptional talent. She was able to persevere and get there. The runner-up [Ultra Brat {Uncle Mo}] ran a huge race as well. Hats off to her, a real top effort, but I’m thankful we got on the right side of that photo.”

A private purchase by Peter Brant, the 4-year-old, who is a Group 3 winner in France, was runner up in last year’s GI Belmont Oaks in July before sitting out the rest of the season. She added a victory in Keeneland’s GI Jenny Wiley S. in April and came home in second last time out in the GII New York S. at Belmont June 8.

Brown also saddled GI Just a Game winner A Raving Beauty, who was forced to take up at the quarter-pole, but closed late to finish third, and New Money Honey, winner of the 2016 GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and the GI Belmont Oaks last year. Brown said both appeared to be in good condition Sunday.

“A Raving Beauty had a real unfortunate trip,” said Brown. “Things didn’t open up for her, but she showed a lot of courage to comeback late. Everybody came back good, so far, so we’ll look to move forward from here.”

Gronkowski on target for Travers tilt…

Chad Brown confirmed GI Belmont S. runner-up Gronkowski (Lonhro {Aus}) and GIII Lecomte S. winner Instilled Regard (Arch) returned from their Saturday works in good order. Gronkowski, who was working for the first time since June 23 covered four furlongs in :48.33, the 15th fastest of 167 at the distance Saturday. According to Brown, the bay remains on target for the GI Travers S. Aug. 25. Instilled Regard, who finished fourth for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the May 5 GI Kentucky Derby prior to transferring to Brown’s care, breezed three furlongs in :37.88. It was the 16th fastest of 26 works at the distance Saturday.

“I was very pleased with both horses,” he said. “The way Gronkowski went, I’m optimistic and hope he can make the Travers. Instilled Regard’s first breeze for us went really well. He came to us in good condition. It was nice to get him back on the worktab and we’re thankful to have him in the barn.”

Brown added Grade II winner Backyard Heaven (Tizway), who worked five furlongs in 1:01.77 (25/41) Saturday, remains on target for the GI Whitney S. Aug. 4.

 

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