Pre-race, there was a tsunami of betting support. On the line, the winning margin was a staggering 11.5 lengths. Post-race, all the talk was about whether race fans at Saratoga Racecourse and those watching the live broadcast had seen a ‘proper horse’ take its formative steps.
Nashville, named after America’s most famous music city that has launched countless career, looks to be drowning in his own star quality going by the manner in which he disassembled rivals in his first public outing. Maiden Special Weights at Saratoga are always a genuine test and the masculine Nashville made light of that in a manner not often seen.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has weighty record of achievement in moulding elite talent. Best known for steering another strapping colt in Curlin from a near 13-length maiden win to multiple grade 1 success, there is little doubt that his sights, and those of connections WinStar Farm and China Horse Club, will have been lifted after such an imperious debut. Just how high remains to be seen.
The WinStar Farm / China Horse Club partnership has enjoyed wonderful success in recent years. Aside from Justify’s 2018 U.S. Triple Crown heroics among an undefeated six start career, they have shared in the excellence of G1 winners Audible, Yoshida, Improbable as well as a plethora of graded stakes winners headed by Good Samaritan and American Anthem.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com