Seven weeks…49 days…1,176 hours…70,560 minutes…4,233,600 seconds.
Yes, we’ve been counting. Awakened returns today for the Grade 1 A. P. Smithwick at Saratoga. The 2-1 favorite takes on seven rivals in the $150,000 stakes.
The 8-year-old made his seasonal reappearance in the Beverly R. Steinman at Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes Festival June 4. The son of Curlin reached the lead and felt the layoff late, finishing third behind today’s rival Proven Innocent and Evie’s Prince. We lost Graham Watters that day, when the three-time champion’s wife Rosie went into labor (Josie turns seven weeks…49 days…1,176 hours…70,560 minutes…4,233,600 seconds old today). Amateur Conor Tierney, who just happened to be in Saratoga for the day, borrowed some tack and filled in the best he could. Watters is back today.
“He’s bound to be a lot sharper from it,” Watters told The Saratoga Special. “Proven Innocent beat him, but he had been running all spring, so he was more race ready. I’m hoping for that. Typically, they improve 5 lengths from a run at Saratoga. Proven Innocent is going to be there at the finish but hopefully Awakened can find something else from just having that run.”
Owned by Riverdee and Ten Strike Racing, Awakened owns three wins, three seconds and four thirds in 14 tries over hurdles. He won the Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard here in 2023.
Post time 1:10.
Watch it on any wagering site, TVG or on Saratoga Live on YouTube.
Read the full preview in The Saratoga Special.
