Test Score aced the test to capture the Belmont Derby

With a high-flying performance, the Lookin at Lucky colt shone over the Saratoga turf to secure the first Grade 1 victory of his career

Test Score achieved the biggest victory of his career / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Amerman Racing has an exemplary pupil in Test Score, who delivered his best performance yet on Friday to capture the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1-1800m, firm turf, $750,000) on day two of the Fourth of July Festival at Saratoga Race Course, making clear he is ready to compete at the highest level of American turf racing.

Trained by H. Graham Motion, the son of Lookin At Lucky was coming off a runner-up effort behind Zulu Kingdom (Ten Sovereigns) in the American Turf (G1) at Churchill Downs. Not only did he confirm that strong run, but he avenged it in style, though his main rival was not in the gate this time after winning the Manila Stakes (G3) just a couple of hours earlier. It was a fact Motion clearly appreciated: “We targeted this race after Churchill. Honestly, I was hoping we wouldn’t have to face Chad Brown’s horse again, and thankfully we didn’t. Seeing him win today validated the American Turf form even more.”

Under a precise ride by Manny Franco, Test Score settled in third early, letting Tank (Adios Charlie) dictate terms through fractions of :23.66 and :47.79 while New Century (Kameko) tracked in second. Franco kept his mount within range without spending too much, and as the pace quickened around the final turn, he asked him to close the gap on the outside.

In the stretch, Tank fought on bravely but could not resist the sustained rally of Test Score, who powered home to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a sharp time of 1:45.56, proving his ability at nine furlongs.

“This horse takes a bit to get going, that’s why I moved on him early. But once he hits his stride, he just keeps coming. That was key,” Franco explained. Motion agreed: “You have to know this horse. He gives you the feeling he won’t get there, but he’s very determined. He has a tremendous will to compete and never gives up.”

The strong effort from World Beater (Oscar Performance), who was beaten a nose by Luther (Frankel) for second, was another highlight of the race. Representing Riley Mott, he had impressed in the Audubon Stakes (L) at Churchill and proved he can compete at G1 level. Tank, after setting the pace, held fourth respectably, followed by New Century, Final Gambit (Not This Time) (dead-heated), and Early Adopter (Lope de Vega). Flying Mohawk(Karakontie), who underwent colic surgery on Thursday, was scratched.

Winner of the Transylvania Stakes (G3) at Keeneland and third in both the Colonel Liam Stakes and Colonel Robert S. Handicap, Test Score now boasts four wins and three seconds from eight starts, with earnings surpassing $800,000.

By Lookin At Lucky out of Joy of Learning (Kitten’s Joy), he was bred in Kentucky by his owner John Amerman, who was visibly emotional: “You can never be confident in a G1 race. But this horse has an incredible turn of foot, and when he uses it, the rest have no answer. It was a fantastic performance.”

Graham Motion had won this same race last year with Trikari (Oscar Performance), then run at Aqueduct, and repeated the feat with another colt of immense potential. As for his next target, several options are under consideration, but one thing is certain: Test Score passed his toughest test with flying colors and is ready for even greater challenges.