Holy Boss takes Amsterdam by storm

Holy Boss proved an easy winner of Saturday’s $200,000 Amsterdam S. (G2) at Saratoga, taking command in the stretch and pulling away to a 2 1/4-length score under jockey Ricardo Santana Jr.

The Steve Asmussen trainee bided his time in second as Victory is Sweet set the opening half-mile splits of :22.17 and :44.83, but there was no stopping Holy Boss in the lane. Wide throughout the 6 1/2-furlong affair, he stopped the clock in 1:15.38 over the fast main track.

Requite took second by 3 3/4 lengths over 2-1 favorite Barbados, who just held that spot by a head over Victory is Sweet. Bluegrass Singer came next and finishing last was March, who entered the Amsterdam off wins in the Bay Shore S. (G3) and Woody Stephens S. (G2).

Holy Boss earned his fourth straight win and his third consecutive stakes victory when crossing first under the wire in the Amsterdam. After breaking his maiden by 10 lengths last September at Churchill Downs, the chestnut colt closed out his juvenile campaign with well-beaten fifths in the Champagne S. (G1) and an allowance/optional claimer.

The Kentucky-bred colt opened this season with a runner-up effort at Oaklawn Park before beginning his current win streak at that same track on March 19 against allowance/optional claiming rivals.

Holy Boss earned his first stakes win next out in the Bachelor S. and added the Chick Lang S. to his resume last out before getting a brief freshening for this return to graded competition.

Holy Boss photo courtesy of NYRA/Susie Raisher/Adam Coglianese Photography