SARATOGA SPRINGS, Ny - Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen continued his “dream meet” when Max Player proved he has emerged as a serious older horse by winning the Grade 1, US$1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.
The 4-year-old son of Honor Code has been a major project for Asmussen and his team since majority owner George Hall decided to remove him from Linda Rice’s care and assign him to a more accomplished counterpart. The timing could not have been more challenging since the decision came ahead of last year’s Kentucky Derby, rescheduled for the first Saturday in September due to the pandemic.
It took several races for Asmussen to sort out a colt who had been troubled by poor starts while suggesting he possessed ample untapped potential. It is safe to say that potential is finally being realized after Max Player’s first Grade 1 triumph, one that carried a fees-paid berth in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 6 at Del Mar.
“For him to do this on a fast track in the Jockey Club at Saratoga, it’s very satisfying,” Asmussen said. “This is who he is and I thought it was a dominating win.”
It was, indeed, coming by a commanding four lengths against defending champion Happy Saver. The victor completed the mile and a quarter in 2:02.49. Pace-setting Forza Di Oro weakened at the distance to be third.
Max Player did not distinguish himself in his first four starts for his new barn. He finished a non-threatening fifth in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
