Dublin, the 2-year-old son of Afleet Alex, posted a two-length win in the Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga.
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas earned his sixth victory in the $300,000 Three Chimneys Hopeful (gr. I) (VIDEO) when favored Dublin posted a two-length win on closing day of the 2009 Saratoga Race Course meet Sept. 7.
The 2-year-old son of Afleet Alex was sent off favored at 3-1 in the 12-horse field in spite of 8-1 morning line odds. Ridden by Jamie Theriot, Dublin raced on the outside to get the lead in the stretch and opened a clear edge in spite of drifting out. Theriot was able to correct Dublin under stern handling and they held sway to score convincingly over Aspire, who encountered some traffic difficulty before rallying for second under Julien Leparoux. Aikenite closed up well to get the show spot with Alan Garcia aboard. The winning time for the seven furlongs on a fast track was 1:23.52.
A $525,000 September Keeneland yearling buy in 2008, Dublin is owned by Robert C. Baker and William L. Mack. The long-striding chestnut colt is out of Classy Mirage, by Storm Bird. Lukas believed from the start that the enormous youngster was worth the investment when he recommended him to Baker and Mack.
“This was my No. 1 pick in the sales,” the 74-year-old Lukas said. “I still haven’t lost my eye in that (department).”
Dublin’s sire, Afleet Alex, won the Hopeful in 2004.
“He has a long, rangy stride,” Lukas said of Dublin. “He’s got a lot of balance to him. He’s pretty gifted. I like to play in the main arena — these 2-year olds, when they turn 3, that’s the name of the game. Bill Mack and Bob Baker are the reason this horse is here.”
The winner earned $180,000 for the victory and paid $8.20, $5.80, and $3.80. Gary and Mary West's homebred Aspire, from the Eddie Kenneally barn, returned $8.40 and $8.20 and completed a $91 exacta. Aikenite, trained by Todd Pletcher for Dogwood Stable, was $10.40 to show..
