Trainer Gary Contessa successfully bookended graded stakes races at the Saratoga meet with a pair of Kentucky-breds. He sent out Kentucky-bred Becky’s Joker to win the Schuylerville S. (G3) on opening day and saddled Kentucky-bred Nutella Fella, winner of the Hopeful S. (G1) on closing day, Monday, Sept. 4.
Last to First
Owned by Bell Gable Stable, Nutella Fella, a Runhappy colt, raced in last place early in the seven-furlong test after breaking a beat slow. With a last-to-first move under jockey Junior Alvarado, Nutella Fella roared down the center of the track in the stretch to overhaul 2-1 race favorite Timberlake in the late stages. He shot clear late to score by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 54-1.
A $12,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase, Nutella Fella is now undefeated in two career starts. He broke his maiden on debut at Delaware Park in July.
“I was hoping for that [performance]. He trained like it,” said Contessa. “Mike, Junior Alvarado’s agent, watched him work, ran over to my barn and said, ‘Junior’s got to ride this horse.’ I said ‘OK,’ and I let him work him a few times and the rest is history.”
G1 Champagne Stakes Next
Contessa indicated that Nutella Fella will remain in Saratoga and train into the Champagne S. (G1) on Oct. 7 at the Belmont at the Big A meet, which is a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
Bred by Ashview Farm, Nutella Farm is out of the Candy Ride mare Krissy’s Candy. Perfect in two starts, Kentucky-bred Nutella Fella has banked $187,800.