Think Big and an Argentine-Flavored Victory in the Kelso Stakes at Saratoga

Grandson of Argentine-breds Candy Ride and Qué Piensa Cat, he stretched out to a mile to shine once again on the turf.

Think Big was decisive at Saratoga. / ADAM COGLIANESE

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- After six straight races at 5½ furlongs, Think Big stretched his speed out to a mile and did so with complete authority to capture the Kelso Stakes (G3, 1 mile turf, $175,000) Saturday, one of the highlights of Saratoga Race Course’s July 4th Festival.

Running for Godolphin and trained by Michael Stidham, the grandson of Argentine-breds Candy Ride (Ride the Rails) and Qué Piensa Cat (Easing Along) displayed his remarkable adaptability and well-known late kick to defeat favorite Intellect (Intello) by a length, stopping the timer at an impressive 1:32.81 on firm turf.

Under a precise ride from Irad Ortiz Jr., who placed the bay in fourth early as Arzak (Not This Time) and Donegal Momentum (Uncle Mo) set a demanding pace with splits of 23.14 and 46.43 seconds. But in the final turn, everything shifted: Donegal Momentum stumbled dangerously, momentarily disrupting the field, and Intellect took command down the stretch.

Yet, Think Big had already launched his move wide, showing a devastating change of gear in the final 150 yards to surge between rivals and take control comfortably.

“It was an ideal setup, the horse felt great the entire way. Luckily, I avoided the trouble with the 4 (Donegal Momentum), and when I asked him, he responded like a champion,” said Ortiz Jr. after the victory. Stidham also praised the horse’s resilience: “For a moment, I thought he might not make it. But he did the same thing he does in sprints—his kick is tremendous, even at a mile. That’s what makes him so special.”

Intellect settled for second again, while Win for the Money (Mohaymen) completed the trifecta 1¼ lengths behind.

This performance opens new doors for Think Big: his next target could be the Fourstardave Handicap (G1) on August 2, a Win and You’re In qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). “It’s a real possibility,” Stidham confirmed. “We still have the Jaipur (G1) on our minds, and this could be our shot at redemption at the highest level.”

By Always Thinking (Street Sense) and bred by Godolphin in Kentucky, Think Big improved his record to six wins in 11 starts, with earnings surpassing $650,000. He paid $15.00 on a $2 win ticket.