The first week of the Saratoga summer meet has produced several promising maiden winners but none as exciting as Big Sugar Soda.

The Ready’s Image colt blasted his rivals with a front-running victory over 1100 metres in a sizzling 63.59s on Monday.  He defeated the Todd Pletcher trained colt Pecorino by 8 lengths and change.

Big Sugar Soda showed a liking for Saratoga that’s inherent in the sireline.  Ready’s Image won the G2 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga in 2007 and his sire More Than Ready had claimed the 1999 edition of the same event at the Spa.  They were both prepared by Pletcher.

“I really like him,” jockey Javier Castellano said.  “He’s very professional.  He stood in the gate beautifully and broke so sharp.  He’s got very light feet.  My gut tells me he is going to be a very nice horse.”

Big Sugar Soda (2c Ready’s Image – Squeakums by Fusaichi Pegasus) is trained by Steve Asmussen for owners Kirk and Judy Robison.  A $45,000 graduate of the 2012 Keeneland September yearling sale, he is the first foal of a winning half-sister to G2 Aqueduct winner Randaroo (Gold Case).

Ready’s Image began shuttling to Lincoln Farm in 2009 and the best of his first crop is unbeaten two year-old Akoonah.  The Canberra based filly completed a hat-trick at her home track last month and trainer Nick Olive will bring her to town for a new-season sprint.

Ready’s Image will be unavailable to Australian breeders this year.  Lincoln Farm owner Nick Posa will stand Red Ransom stallion Arlington for a second season at a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee.

– Karl Patterson

BIG SUGAR SODA
Runaway Ready’s Image winner at Saratoga