Think Big goes long in G3 Kelso Stakes

Dual G2-winning sprinter Think Big stretches out to a mile for the G3 Kelso Stakes at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 5 July.

The Michael Stidham-trained four-year-old makes a second appearance at the New York course after meeting with a first defeat on turf in the G1 Jaipur Stakes on the Belmont Stakes undercard, when he trailed in seventh after missing the start.

Think Big was previously unbeaten in four starts in turf sprints, including impressive G2 wins earlier this season in Keeneland’s Shakertown Stakes and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint on Kentucky Derby Day.

A homebred son of Twirling Candy, Think Big has raced over further on dirt, notably winning a seven-furlong maiden by six and a quarter lengths at Colonial Downs last summer.

Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, said: “Think Big is on a retrieval mission in the G3 Kelso. He blotted his copy book with poor behaviour in the parade ring and in the starting gate on his last start. He has had plenty of schooling since, so we expect a better attitude and therefore performance.

“We always planned to stretch him out to a one-turn mile and believe that it will be a perfect opportunity for him. If successful, it will open up other options and if not, we will go back sprinting.

“Mike is very pleased with his recent breezes and hopes that he will be on his best behaviour. We expect him to run very well and hopefully get back on track. Ben Curtis has taken a mount elsewhere, so we are lucky to have secured one of the leading riders in the country, Jose Ortiz, to partner him.”