To borrow an expression popularized by Marv Albert when he was the radio play-by-play guy for the New York Rangers, Illuminare made a kick save and a beauty. Facing older horses in just his second career start, the 3-year-old colt faced a threat from Classic Legacy heading into the stretch during the fourth race, but just as it appeared that Classic Legacy would go by, Illuminare kicked away at the eighth pole and won by 4 3/4 lengths. Don Little, Jr.
, the president of Centennial Farms since 1990 and a close friend of Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, said that win sets his colt up for a stakes start, maybe even a little bit of a look at the Grade I Allen Jerkens on Travers Day Aug. 24. No matter what happens next, it was a moment to savor in the winner’s circle for Centennial, and one with a little extra Boston flair when Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, Little’s guest for the day in the box seats and a Thoroughbred racing neophyte, joined the celebration.
“He’s going nuts. And then he’s like, ‘I get to go to the winner’s circle?’ I said, ‘Get your butt in there,’” Little said with a laugh an hour and a half after the race. Swayman picked a good day to make his racetrack debut.
Illuminare had won his career debut impressively on June 7 at Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, then trainer Todd Pletcher found an allowance spot at seven furlongs on Saturday, even if the colt would be facing older horses. Ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Illuminare w.
