Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Ray Handal, with six victories across 22 races, is on track for his most successful season at Saratoga since launching his training operation nearly a decade ago. Saratoga offers an ideal platform for him to display his skills and those of his team.
“It’s everyone’s goal to win here, with all horses performing optimally,” he mentioned. “A bit of luck, along with having the right races available, seems to make everything align perfectly.”
According to Handal, one of the keys to thriving during the challenging 40-day meet, which concludes on Labor Day, is ensuring that each horse is strategically entered in races. “We place our horses in contests where they have competitive chances,” he explained. “We aim to avoid unnecessary races, especially here.”
Handal was given 27 stalls at Saratoga, all of which are occupied. Additionally, he manages 15 horses at Belmont Park. He is optimistic that his recent achievements will not only retain current clients but also attract new investors.
“Success here can define the entire year,” he stated. “It captures attention and opens doors to more significant opportunities as the year progresses.”
During a Barn Tour with Horse Racing Nation, Handal highlighted several horses that have been instrumental to his success or are poised to contribute in the future.
Gem Mint Ten. This 4-year-old gelding by Laoban secured a win in a July 27 allowance race at Saratoga, finishing 2 1/2 lengths ahead over 1 1/16 miles on turf with jockey Luis Saez. This victory improved his stats to 11 starts with 2 wins, 3 seconds, and earnings of $150,750.
Hard Par. This 3-year-old colt by Hard Spun is still in pursuit of his first win. After seven starts, including a second and two third-place finishes, he encountered issues during his July 26 outing in a maiden special weight race, leading to a jockey objection by Katie Davis, which was ultimately overruled. “He’s already had one run this meet,” Handal said. “Despite the issues at the first turn, he’s shown tenacity. We’ll give him another chance here at Saratoga, anticipating a strong performance.”
He Has It All. Another 3-year-old gelding by Laoban, still looking for his first win after seven starts but has secured three second places. His performances this meet include a fourth on July 20 and a fifth on August 15. “He’s had a bit of bad luck, facing some tough competition,” Handal noted.
La Salvadorena. This 3-year-old bay filly by Oscar Performance shows promise, placing second in two of her three starts. Her least impressive run was a fifth place in a maiden special weight race over 1 1/16 miles on turf on July 14. She is scheduled to race 5 1/2 furlongs on grass on August 22. “She’s indicated she’s better suited to shorter distances, so we’re adjusting her to five and a half furlongs and considering adding blinkers. She’s been training well,” Handal remarked.
More Than Grace. Owned by Adelphi Racing Club, this 2-year-old filly by More Than Ready was acquired for $180,000. She’s taking time to develop, with plans to resume racing at Belmont Park in September. “After falling ill, I wasn’t happy with her progress, so she was sent to a farm to recover. I believe she will perform well in the upcoming fall and winter seasons,” Handal expressed.
Prince James. A 7-year-old gelding by Tiznow and owned by Pavilion Racing, he won a $10,000 claiming race on July 31 at Saratoga, finishing the season with two wins from six starts, enhancing his record to 41 starts: 7 wins, 9 seconds, and earnings of $319,845.
Union Dolly. This 5-year-old mare by Constitution marked her return from a break since December 21 at Fair Grounds with a win in a 5 1/2-furlong turf allowance race on July 20, improving her record to 16 starts with 4 wins, 3 seconds, and earnings of $191,029.
Valtellina. The debut of this 2-year-old filly by Complexity is highly anticipated after a minor health issue. “We have high hopes for her. She was ready to race, then fell ill and was scratched. However, she’s scheduled to start at the end of the month,” Handal shared.
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