Welcome Back: Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic
Exciting news for horse racing fans as the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn prepares to welcome back two familiar names: Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic. These two talented horses will be returning to the track in the next month for the start of their campaigns. With some warm-up races scheduled, there is a possibility that Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic could meet in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct on April 9. This highly anticipated race marks the New York Racing Association’s first Grade 1 event of the year.
Drain the Clock’s Path
Before the Carter Handicap, Drain the Clock will be competing in the Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Sprint on February 12. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is optimistic about this race and believes that a strong performance could lead to an opportunity to participate in the prestigious Dubai World Cup. Drain the Clock might have a chance to run in one of the Dubai World Cup’s rich undercard events, such as the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen or the Group 2 Godolphin Mile. Both of these races offer incredible prize money and international recognition. The Dubai Golden Shaheen covers a distance of 6 1/2 furlongs.
In Drain the Clock’s impressive career, he has never run a distance longer than seven furlongs. His seven victories have come at distances of five furlongs, six furlongs, or seven furlongs. Most recently, Drain the Clock triumphed in a half-length victory in an allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park on December 10. With a career-best 104 Equibase Speed Figure, he proved his speed and talent.
Going the Distance: Ny Traffic
Ny Traffic, on the other hand, is gearing up for his 5-year-old season, starting with the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile on March 5. His last race was a dominant performance, winning the Black-Type Hudson by a staggering 8 3/4 lengths against fellow New York-breds at Belmont Park on October 30. Unfortunately, Ny Traffic had to be scratched from the Grade 1 Cigar Mile in December due to illness. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had initially planned to run him in that prestigious race.
In terms of race distance, Ny Traffic excels in one-turn events. He has had remarkable success in these races, including a strong fourth-place finish in the two-turn, 1 1/8-mile Grade 3 Monmouth Cup Stakes at Monmouth Park in July. However, in his most recent attempt at a two-turn race, the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic last August, Ny Traffic finished a distant sixth, 10 1/2 lengths behind Art Collector. Based on his performances, Joseph believes that Ny Traffic performs best when cut back to one turn.
Conclusion
The upcoming races for Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic have generated significant excitement among racing enthusiasts. With their previous successes and the strategic plans of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., there is great anticipation for their future campaigns. Drain the Clock’s potential journey to Dubai and Ny Traffic’s focus on one-turn races provide intriguing storylines for fans to follow. As these two talented horses make their highly anticipated comebacks, all eyes will be on them as they strive for greatness on the racetrack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic proven contenders in their respective races?
Yes, both Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic have showcased their talent and competitiveness in their previous races. Drain the Clock has an impressive record of victories at various distances, and Ny Traffic has displayed his best form in one-turn races. Their past performances make them strong contenders in their upcoming campaigns.
2. What are the chances of Drain the Clock participating in the Dubai World Cup undercard events?
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has expressed interest in potentially running Drain the Clock in the Dubai World Cup’s undercard events, such as the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen or the Group 2 Godolphin Mile. While nothing is confirmed, a solid performance in the Gulfstream Park Sprint could pave the way for an international appearance in the prestigious Dubai races.
3. How has Ny Traffic recovered from his illness that caused his withdrawal from the Cigar Mile?
Ny Traffic has fully recovered from the illness that led to his withdrawal from the Grade 1 Cigar Mile. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. confirmed that Ny Traffic has overcome the setback and is in good health. Fans can look forward to seeing him compete in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile as he continues his promising career.
4. What are the expectations for Ny Traffic in his upcoming one-turn races?
Based on his previous performances, Ny Traffic has proven to be a formidable contender in one-turn races. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. believes that Ny Traffic performs at his best in these events. With his exceptional record in one-turn races, expectations are high for Ny Traffic as he prepares to kick off his 5-year-old season.
5. Will Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic face each other in any upcoming races?
There is a possibility that Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic could meet in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct on April 9. This race marks an exciting opportunity for these two talented horses to compete against each other. As fans eagerly anticipate their campaigns, the prospect of a thrilling matchup between Drain the Clock and Ny Traffic adds an extra layer of excitement to the racing season.
