Weekend Update

Stable superstar Think Big (picture above) is stretching out again for his next big assignment tomorrow, the G3 Kelso Stakes at Saratoga, a turf race over a mile worth $175,000.

Think Big has made a real splash this year over sprint distances, claiming the G2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland in April, followed by the G2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes a month later. Things didn't go to plan last time in the G1 Jaipur Stakes after missing the start.

Think Big started his career running over further - indeed, he broke his maiden going seven furlongs at Colonial Downs. He's also made his mark in some top sprint contests with a rattling run late.

Tomorrow at Saratoga, Think Big faces seven other rivals, and has the services of Jose Ortiz in the saddle.

As Michael Banahan, Godolphin USA's director of bloodstock, said earlier this week: “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.”