Crazy Mason Extends Distance for Forty Niner Race at Belmont Park
Crazy Mason is set to contest the Grade 3, $200,000 Forty Niner event at Belmont Park, a single-turn race spanning one mile. The five-year-old, trained by Gregg Sacco, recently achieved a personal best Beyer Speed Figure despite a narrow defeat in the Vosburgh (G3). This move to a longer distance is anticipated to suit his racing style, and his connections are optimistic about his performance. The race also features other notable competitors such as Ignite the Light, making his graded stakes debut, and East Avenue, who boasts an impressive career record and significant earnings.
Gregg Sacco, trainer of Crazy Mason, shared his thoughts on the horse's recent outing and preparations for the upcoming Forty Niner. He expressed disappointment over the close finish in the Vosburgh but acknowledged the horse's impressive effort and adaptability to the Belmont track. Sacco highlighted Crazy Mason's consistent performance, having placed in seven out of ten graded stakes attempts. His strong finishes in races like the Forego (G1) demonstrate his peak condition leading into this event, and the longer stretch of the mile race is seen as a definite advantage for his deep-closing style.
A key adjustment for Crazy Mason has been the introduction of glue-on shoes, recommended by farrier and hoof specialist Ian McKinlay. Sacco noted a significant improvement in the horse's movement and comfort since making this change, suggesting it could be a crucial factor in Sunday's race. Despite initial considerations to supplement Crazy Mason for the Breeders' Cup Sprint, the team ultimately decided to focus on the Forty Niner at Belmont, a track he has shown a particular affinity for. Sacco also praised the modern facilities at NYRA, looking forward to their return.
Ignite the Light, conditioned by Rick Dutrow Jr., will be making his first appearance in a graded stakes race. The five-year-old gelding by Into Mischief has shown remarkable improvement this year, with two wins and two second-place finishes in five starts. Dutrow expressed satisfaction with the horse's current form and his ability to handle the mile distance around one turn, despite the step up in competition. He reflected on Ignite the Light's transformation from a difficult-to-train horse in his early career to a more amenable and promising contender.
Another strong competitor in the Forty Niner is East Avenue, a four-year-old by Medaglia d'Oro, trained by Brendan Walsh. He enters the race seeking his first victory since winning the Salvator Mile (G3) in June, where he achieved a field-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure. East Avenue boasts a strong career record with four wins from thirteen starts and over $1.1 million in earnings, including a Breeders' Futurity (G1) win as a juvenile. His pedigree is also notable, being out of Dance Music, a half-sister to the 2023 Horse of the Year, Cody’s Wish, and from a family that includes Grade 1 winner Dance Card.
The upcoming Forty Niner race promises an exciting contest with a field of talented horses. Crazy Mason's recent form and the strategic decision to stretch him to a mile make him a compelling entry. Ignite the Light's progressive improvement and East Avenue's proven graded stakes ability add further depth to the competition. The race at Belmont Park will be a significant test for all contenders, showcasing their adaptability and readiness for higher-level challenges.