G M B Racing's Tom's d'Etat (Smart Strike) is under consideration for a start in the Sept. 2 GI Woodward S. following his nine-length romp in a nine-furlong optional claimer at Saratoga Thursday (video).
“We'll take a long look at the Woodward, for sure. I'm not for sure running but we'll nominate and see how it shakes out,” trainer Al Stall said. “He's got a great record on this track [two-for-two], he's right here, and it's 30 days, not to mention the owner has had lofty goals his whole life. The man has won the Super Bowl. We're going to hope we have a horse that comes out of the race well and see what we can do.”
The 4-year-old has raced just one other time at the Spa, breaking his maiden by four lengths going 1 1/8 miles last August in his third career start. Benched after that effort, the bay returned a winner at the Fair Grounds Mar. 20 and was fourth next out in the slop at Churchill May 5. Tom's d'Etat was last seen winning a NW2 allowance in Louisville June 10.
“He's a horse we've been high on for a long time and he's a horse that is maturing as he's getting some age on him. He's getting himself together and still has a way to go,” Stall said. “He makes the lead and pulls himself up and puts his ears forward. He's been running like that with a little bit left in the tank. If he ever gets down and runs, who knows what might happen.”
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