‘Obvious Choice’: Irad Ortiz To Be Named On Wonder Gadot In Travers

By: NYRA Press Office Trainer Mark Casse reported Monday morning that Saratoga Race Course's current meet leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. will have the mount aboard Gary Barber's Wonder Gadot, set to become the first filly since 1979 to contest the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on Saturday. Ortiz was previously committed to ride Hofburg in the Mid-Summer Derby, but the Curlin winner was withdrawn from the race on Sunday after missing a scheduled breeze due to fever. “Irad is as good as they come,” said Casse. “He's having an...

Casse likely to have three in Queen’s Plate

By Alex Campbell Trainer Mark Casse said both Plate Trial Stakes winner Telekinesis and Woodbine Oaks runner-up Wonder Gadot emerged from their Saturday starts in good order and are likely to run in the $1 million Queen’s Plate on June 30. Casse could have as many as three in the Queen’s Plate, as Neepawa is also likely to run. Neepawa finished a troubled third in an allowance race over 1 1/16 miles here on May 20. He breezed five furlongs in 59 seconds Saturday morning on Tapeta. “Neepawa worked exceptionally well,...