Rabbit news from DRF...
Rabbit already on Dutrow's mind
By MIKE WELSCH
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - A year ago, trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. ran an entry, Show Boot and Crafty Player, to help soften up the speedy Commentator in the Woodward Stakes. His plan worked to perfection as Show Boot pushed Commentator for the opening half-mile, eventually paving the way for the third member of Dutrow's Woodward triumvirate, Saint Liam, to register an easy victory in the Grade 1 event.
Saint Liam, the reigning Horse of the Year, has been retired to stud duty while Show Boot and Crafty Player have long since left Dutrow's barn and plunged to the bottom level of the claiming ranks. But Commentator is still going strong and pointing for a potential start in the Grade 1 Forego here at Saratoga on Sept. 2. And Dutrow says he will be waiting with his latest sprint star, Silver Wagon, and another rabbit to again assure Commentator doesn't get loose on an easy lead.
"If Commentator goes in the Forego we'll have a rabbit in the race in case he runs," Dutrow said Saturday. "I'm not going to let him just gallop along on the lead. Nick Zito is a friend of mine but I want to win this race and I'll do whatever it takes to win."
Silver Wagon posted an optional claiming win here last Sunday while making his first start since being transferred to Dutrow's barn earlier this summer. Silver Wagon is owned by the Four Roses Stable, the owner of 2005 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Silver Train, who also resides under the powerful Dutrow shed.
"He's doing great, came out of the race good and just loves this track," Dutrow said of Silver Wagon, who won the Grade 1 Hopeful here as a 2-year-old in 2003. "He's sharp as a tack right now."
Dutrow isn't sure who will be his rabbit, "but we'll find somebody," he said.
Zito, who trains Commentator, was unphased when learning of Dutrow's plan.
"Tell him Easter is in April, not September," Zito said with a smile. "There are no rabbits in September. My good friend Rick Dutrow is all out of whack as usual."
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