- Mind Control targets G1 Runhappy Carter Handicap
- Records 1:03.24 sectional time in trackwork
- Belmont Park to host five-consecutive G1 Super Saturday cards
The stables behind multiple Grade One winner Mind Control, have today announced they’ll target the $250,000 G1 Runhappy Carter Handicap.
The Gregg Sacco-trained four-year-old will follow his last-out form by turning his attention to the Belmont G1.
Mind Control was slated to race on March 7 in the Grade 3 Tom Fool Handicap at Aqueduct, but those plans were reshuffled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We were thrilled to see the race was back on the card and we’re looking forward to running Mind Control in the Carter,” said Sacco
“Everyone at Belmont and NYRA has collectively done a great job and worked really hard to help bring racing back.”
The New York Racing Authority announced on Tuesday that a 25-day spring/summer carnival will be part of this seasons revamped plans as a result of COVID-19.
More recently, Aqueduct was turned into a makeshift hospital to cater to those suffering from the virus.
It has since announced a returned to racing and will host racing from June onward.
Included in a slate of races will be the seven-furlong Runhappy Carter Handicap. The winner earning entry into the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on June 6.
The Breeders’ Cup will kick off the first of five consecutive super Saturday cards of G1 racing at Belmont Park.
Mind Control has continued to work during the closure of racing and impressed onlookers as he galloped to a 1:03.24 time on May 16.
“He’s been on a weekly schedule throughout this time and he’s only missed one week,” Sacco said.
“He’s just gliding over the main track. He had his first work on the main last week and he’ll work again on Saturday on the main track. He couldn’t be doing any better going into the race.”
Santa Anita Park has recently reopened for racing after a slight hiatus as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
