After a two week “layoff” of Midlantic breds in Saratoga stakes, a northbound shipper enters into Sunday’s Grade II Troy Stakes going five and a half on the turf. A nine horse field is slated to run as race 8 on the card, with the outside breaking Determined Kingdom returning to the Spa from his triumph over this course in early June. Having missed the winner’s circle for over a year, Determined Kingdom stalked a quick early pace over the Saratoga turf course to take over late and hold on by a head in an optional claimer. Following that try, this Michael Trombetta trainee went back south to Colonial Downs where he took them all the way around in a restricted stakes. With back to back wins entering here, this seven year old gelding appears to be in top form at the longer morning line odds of 15/1 with a chance at redemption from last year’s Troy where he ran a close third.

By Animal Kingdom – Filia, by Fastnet Rock (AUS), Determined Kingdom was bred in Virginia by Audley Farm Equine, LLC. His sire has had most of his success producing turf runners, with Determined Kingdom primarily running on grass in his career. In his thirty-one turf efforts, Determined Kingdom has captured twelve races with two places and five shows. That strong clip in the money has extended itself to his three tries at the Spa, with one win and two shows lifetime. He tries graded company for the first time since his Troy last year where returning rider Ricardo Santana settled him behind the leaders to hold serve late in the stretch. With good consistency in his career and a sharp four furlong bullet breeze at Fair Hill on August 1st, it is clear that Determined Kingdom is ready to perform his best and attempt to keep his winning streak going. Determined Kingdom is owned by the Estate of R. Larry Johnson and has amassed $966,680 in career earnings.

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