Society, a 5-year-old mare bred by Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, delivered an impressive performance at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, winning the Grade 1 Ballerina Handicap. Under the guidance of jockey Tyler Gaffalione and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Society tracked the early speed set by Munnys Gold before making a decisive move in the stretch to pull away and secure a 3 1/4-length victory. This win marked Asmussen’s third Ballerina victory and earned Society a coveted spot in the Grade 1 Breeders‘ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint later in the year.
Having only made her second start of the year, Society showed her class and talent by comfortably sitting in second position behind the pacesetter Munnys Gold. Gaffalione strategically positioned her on the backstretch, allowing her to unleash her powerful stride in the stretch and leave her competitors behind. With a final time of 1:22 for the seven-furlong sprint, Society showcased her speed and determination, proving herself as a top contender in the filly and mare sprint division.
With a career earnings of $1,839,535, Society has faced tough competition throughout her career, including top fillies and mares like Goodnight Olive, Nest, and Malathaat. Despite facing such formidable opponents, Society has consistently shown her competitive spirit and ability to perform at the highest level. Her victory in the Ballerina Handicap reaffirmed her status as a top-class runner and set the stage for a potential return to the Breeders‘ Cup, where she will aim to improve upon her previous performances.
Trainer Steve Asmussen expressed his confidence in Society’s abilities, attributing her success to a combination of age, patience, and strategic race planning. By carefully selecting her races and giving her the necessary time to develop and mature, Asmussen has allowed Society to flourish and reach her full potential on the racetrack. With her Breeders‘ Cup appearance in sight, Society’s connections are optimistic about her chances and look forward to seeing her compete against the best sprinters in the country.
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who has been instrumental in Society’s success, praised the mare’s free-running style and emphasized the importance of working in harmony with her natural abilities. By understanding her preferences and tendencies, Gaffalione has been able to guide Society to victory and showcase her true talent on the track. With a strong partnership between horse and rider, Society has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.
Overall, Society’s win in the Ballerina Handicap was a testament to her talent, determination, and the skillful guidance of her connections. As she looks ahead to the Breeders‘ Cup and beyond, Society remains a formidable force in the filly and mare sprint division, poised to continue her winning ways and make a lasting impact on the sport of horse racing.