Trail of Gold secured her first stakes victory in the $150,000 Statue of Liberty division of the New York Stallion Stakes Series at Saratoga Race Course, overcoming a slow start to rally from last to first under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. Trained and co-owned by David Donk and partners, the New York-sired sophomore filly improved on her previous late-running sixth-place finish by executing a strong wide move in the stretch to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Nonna Lynne and Hangover Heaven. Donk and Ortiz, Jr. both noted that Trail of Gold showed progress in professionalism and race positioning, with Ortiz confident she belonged in this stakes company.
Bred in New York and purchased for $100,000 as a yearling, Trail of Gold is out of the Bernardini mare Bene Pista and now holds a record of three wins, one second, from ten starts, earning $82,500 with this victory. The race was contested over a firm turf mile with a small field of six fillies, and Trail of Gold’s win was attributed in part to a smoother trip and favorable track conditions. Saratoga’s summer meet continues with live coverage on FOX Sports and wagering available through the NYRA Bets platform.
