SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox has been getting familiar with a new horse in his barn during the past couple of months.
Previously conditioned by Wesley Ward, Fandom joined Cox’s prolific stable after winning at 51⁄2 furlongs in the listed Palisades Stakes at Keeneland in early April. Transferred to Cox by owner Stonestreet Stables, the British-bred sophomore has impressed his new trainer so far, especially in his recent works. A bay son of Showcasing out of the Pivotal mare Brogan, Fandom’s three recent works over the Oklahoma Training Track turf have all been sharp, including a half-mile in 47.
80 on Monday that ranked second of 54 at the distance. That form has Cox encouraged Fandom will be a big factor in today’s Grade 3 Quick Call at Saratoga Race Course, a $175,000 event at 51⁄2 furlongs on the Mellon turf. “He’s doing well at Saratoga.
We’ve breezed him a few times and we like what we’ve seen from him,” Cox said. “He’s a really good-looking horse and he’s obviously lightly raced. He has won a couple races, so there’s not a lot of options, but based off what he’s accomplished in his short career, I definitely think he fits with this group.
” Fandom (post 3, Jose Ortiz, 9-2 morning line) made his first three starts for Ward, graduating on debut last April at Keeneland before heading overseas to finish 11th that June in the Group 2 Coventry at Royal Ascot. He returned on April 7 with a rallying scor.