Grade III Caress Stakes ends in ‘complete cavalry charge’

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was unfortunate for everyone when morning-line favorite Roses for Debra (8-5) scratched out of the Grade III Caress Stakes on Wednesday at Saratoga Race Course.

It was especially unfortunate for trainer Christophe Clement, who has had incredible success with the mare up to this point, especially at the Spa.

“When I entered her, she was fine,” Clement said of last year’s Caress winner. “Then, the next morning, she had a temperature. She is better (today), but she is still coughing; it is not over yet. We just have to give her the time.”

The Liam’s Map 5-year-old is 2-for-3 on the Saratoga grass with her lone defeat coming in her last race on Belmont Stakes Racing Festival weekend when she lost a Grade II by a head.

Prior to that, she was perfect in her 2023 sweep of the Caress then the Smart N Fancy later in the meet, and it look like she had every intention of repeating. 

But, after the morning illness forced her out of the race, things eventually got better for the Clement barn.

That’s because the barn’s other entrant, Dontlookbackatall, was able to make the most of her opportunity to take care of business on behalf of her stablemate.

“It’s an extraordinary remarkable ride,” her trainer said after her effort. “Well done, Irad. The filly is very good. Thank you (co-owner) West Point Thoroughbreds, because they send us good horses. But that was a great ride.”

Dontlookbackatall (8-1), who was originally slated to have rider Joel Rosario aboard, was able to switch Rosario out for her regular rider since he rides both her and Roses for Debra.

Despite Ortiz opting for the contender looking for the repeat win, he was still able to hop aboard and replace Rosario en route to closing fiercely and...