Racing Stallion Hotazhell, owned by Jessica Harrington, is set to compete in the prestigious $750,000 Saratoga Derby, aiming for a top-tier US victory.
Hotazhell Falls Short in Saratoga Derby, Teed Up Shines at Galway
The Saratoga Derby saw Hotazhell, the morning-line favourite at odds of 7-5, put up a strong show but ultimately fall short of victory. Trained by Jessica Harrington, Hotazhell demonstrated high-class European form and Group 1 experience, having placed third in the Irish 2000 Guineas and competing competitively in the Group 1 Eclipse Stakes [1][2].
Despite concerns about the fast turf and sunny conditions at Saratoga, Hotazhell showed resilience, finishing strongly to complete the superfecta, placing fourth behind the winner World Beater, runner-up Juwelier, and third-place finisher Test Score [3].
Meanwhile, at the Galway festival, Teed Up, another runner of Jessica Harrington, shone in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle. Teed Up, a six-time race winner at Galway, including a flat race on Wednesday, showcased his versatility and familiarity with the course [4].
Teed Up faced some challenges during the race, including serious interference, but managed to overtake Shoda to secure a promising position [5].
In a different race at Galway, Dunum, Tuesday's big Mile winner, returned for the Ahonoora Handicap. Dunum, who won the Ahonoora Handicap in 2023 and was third last year, will be looking to repeat his success [6].
Elsewhere, Tiberius Thunder, trained by Adrian Murray, entered the Saratoga Derby with Frankie Dettori in the saddle. However, the focus of Jessica Harrington's stable remained on the $750,000 Saratoga Derby [7].
In the preceding hurdle, Toll Stone was Mullins's sole representative, while Action, a Ballydoyle colt and half-brother to Lambourn, competed in the juvenile maiden [8].
Notably, Goodie Two Shoes, a JP McManus-owned mare, will race in the Group Two Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood, not the Saratoga Derby [9].
Lastly, Tiztastic, who won the Louisiana Derby on dirt, represented a local hope in the Saratoga Derby, joining the fray alongside Test Score, the Belmont Derby winner [10].
As the dust settles on the Saratoga Derby, Hotazhell's potential performance aligned with his status as a high-class, consistent European Group 1 competitor and morning-line favourite. However, the actual race outcome indicated a good, though not winning, effort [1][2][3].
References: [1] Racing Post, "Hotazhell set for Saratoga Derby," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/hotazhell-set-for-saratoga-derby/ [2] At The Races, "Hotazhell heads market for Saratoga Derby," 2025, https://www.attheraces.com/news/hotazhell-heads-market-for-saratoga-derby [3] BloodHorse, "World Beater Wins Saratoga Derby," 2025, https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/284074/world-beater-wins-saratoga-derby [4] Racing Post, "Teed Up lands BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at Galway," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/teed-up-lands-boylesports-handicap-hurdle-at-galway/ [5] Racing Post, "Teed Up meets with serious interference," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/teed-up-meets-with-serious-interference/ [6] Racing Post, "Dunum back for Ahonoora Handicap at Galway," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/dunum-back-for-ahonoora-handicap-at-galway/ [7] Racing Post, "Jessica Harrington focuses on Saratoga Derby," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/jessica-harrington-focuses-on-saratoga-derby/ [8] Racing Post, "Toll Stone and Action set for Galway action," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/toll-stone-and-action-set-for-galway-action/ [9] Racing Post, "Goodie Two Shoes heads for Goodwood," 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/goodie-two-shoes-heads-for-goodwood/ [10] BloodHorse, "Tiztastic to run in Saratoga Derby," 2025, https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/284073/tiztastic-to-run-in-saratoga-derby
In a change of scenery from the Saratoga Derby, Teed Up, a horse under Jessica Harrington's training, displayed endurance and adaptability in the BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle at Galway, showcasing its prowess in racing events beyond horse-racing. Despite initial challenges, Teed Up managed to secure a promising position, highlighting its resilience.
