Twenty Six Black's Build-Up to the Troy
Trained by Horacio De Paz, the 6-year-old War Dancer gelding Twenty Six Black is primed to tackle Sunday’s Grade 2 Troy. The race is a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up at Saratoga. The black gelding, bred in New York, has an impressive 3-3-1 record in nine starts at the track. Last year, he narrowly missed claiming victory in the Troy. He finished second to Bring Theband Home. Now reunited with returning rider Manny Franco, Twenty Six Black delivered a strong performance in the listed Harvey Pack on July 5. He secured a 2 3/4-length win after launching a late rally. He enters the race as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.
His triumph in the Harvey Pack earned him a career-high 101 Beyer Speed Figure. This figure, according to the Daily Racing Form, joins two other triple-digit Beyers. There was a 100 Beyer from last year’s Troy. Another came from a win in the local restricted Disco Partner last August. De Paz, the gelding’s trainer, has been impressed with his recent preparation. Twenty Six Black has worked thrice over Saratoga’s course. This includes a standout half-mile in 47 flat seconds on August 2. That drill was the fastest of 149 efforts at the distance. It showcased the horse’s sharpness and readiness. Closing in on $800,000 in earnings, Twenty Six Black has yet to win a graded stakes.
Trainer's Confidence in Form
De Paz expressed confidence in his horse's form. He noted that Twenty Six Black looked particularly energetic during his recent breeze. “He showed life last week, which is typical for him a week out,” De Paz said. “He went by himself, and I don’t think I have someone that will work fast enough with him to survive that. He’s been training alone for a while now. Mentally, he’s in good shape, and I’m very pleased with how he’s coming into the race.”
With jockey Manny Franco back in the saddle for the fifth time out of eight career wins, De Paz is leaning on his experience. He is relying on Franco to determine the optimal strategy. “Manny knows him well. He can judge the pace and decide when to make his move,” De Paz explained. “I think he can come with a nice run on the outside and give us the best chance. I’ll let Manny handle the race and just trust his judgment.”
De Paz couldn't be happier with how his horse is training. “He ran well last year in the Troy and hopefully will again this year,” De Paz told the New York Racing Association's media office. “He is deserving of it. It is not going to be a cakewalk. There are some solid horses in there that he has to run against, but he couldn't be going into it any better.”
On the other side of the Troy, John the Beer Man has emerged as a top-tier turf sprinter this year under the guidance of trainer Rob Atras. The 5-year-old More Than Ready gelding had been off the track for over a year before returning in March at Fair Grounds for Atras. Originally aimed at a route, Atras made a strategic shift to a sprint after their preferred comeback race was rained off the turf. That decision proved wise as John the Beer Man took the lead in his first start back and continued his strong form throughout the season.
John the Beer Man's Strong Return
In April, the chestnut gelding claimed an impressive gate-to-wire victory at Aqueduct, earning a 100 Beyer figure in the process. That race was contested over yielding footing, but the quality of the field, which included graded stakes-winner Mentee, made the performance even more significant. John the Beer Man’s preparations for the Troy reached another high point in the Jaipur (G1) on June 6 over Saratoga’s course and distance, where he finished a close third, just three-quarters of a length behind the winner. In that race, he was challenged by strong runners like Ag Bullet and Reef Runner but showcased his ability to keep up in a competitive group.
Atras, who has seen his charge progress rapidly, praised his recent effort in the Jaipur. “We were cautiously optimistic, and quietly confident that he would run a big race,” Atras remarked. “And he really did. That’s a step up in class, and he responded well, showing his class and ability on the track.”
Atras said of the 5-year-old, “He didn't quite break as sharp as I was hoping and Kendrick (Carmouche) had to really get after him. The pace was fast, and we ended up getting to the front, but we had to work for it. Down the lane, he took a funny step and Kendrick said that all of a sudden the horse saw something and kind of spooked. It looked like he was going to fade and then he stayed on.”
Troy Race Outlook
The Troy promises to be a thrilling contest as Twenty Six Black and John the Beer Man emerge as the primary contenders. Twenty Six Black has a strong connection with Saratoga and has displayed consistent form in key races. John the Beer Man, on the other hand, has demonstrated adaptability and growth, particularly in sprints. De Paz remains confident in his horse's readiness, and Atras is optimistic about his rising sprinter. With both trainers and jockeys having a clear understanding of their horses, the Troy is shaping up to be a showcase of turf sprinting excellence at Saratoga.