A Return to the Turf is All He Needed

He hadn’t won as a three year old.  He hadn’t won at a route.  But Savage Frontier had won on the turf, and the return to his favorite surface was enough to overcome a heavy favorite in Manifest Destiny and any doubts has he won the $125,000 Grade III Mars Chat Memorial by an increasing 3 ½ lengths.

Jockey J Star said there never was a question about the distance.  “I just followed Hardy’s instructions.  The trainers know their horses – I was told to sit behind the favorite and when J White (aboard Manifest Destiny) made his move to go after him.”

A speed duel by Flying Thunder and Wells of Endurance broke down and when Manifest Destiny flew by, the race looked over.  When Savage Frontier came on, the race really was over.

The winner paid $10.20, $4.40, $2.10, and posted a speed figure of 96.

It looks like he has shown a strong preference for the grass; it would be a surprise to see him on the dirt anytime soon.

Savage Frontier was the third choice in the betting.  Timmn picked him to finish out of the money.