Gezora looking to right ship in Glens Falls

Not much has gone right for Gezora since her winning U.S. debut last November in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). She will attempt to correct that Thursday at Saratoga in the $250,000 Glens Falls (G2).

The Breeders’ Cup win at Del Mar over U.S. champion She Feels Pretty capped a stellar three-year-old season for Gezora, which also included a victory in the classic Prix de Diane (G1), France’s Oaks. Things have not gone to plan this term, though.

Second as an odds-on choice in the Modesty (G3) at Churchill Downs to then-stablemate Kathynmarissa, Gezora was subsequently transferred from trainer Chad Brown to Bill Mott by owner Peter Brant, who expressed displeasure at Gezora kicking off her season in a 1 1/8-mile race.

Gezora fared even worse in her debut for Mott, the June 5 Diana (G1) at Saratoga, where she came up completely empty and trailed home last of eight.

“At this point, I’m going to put a line through it,” Mott said. “I think she’s better than that.” 

The 1 1/2-mile distance of the Glens Falls should play to Gezora’s strengths, though she’s not the only distance specialist in the field.

Speed Shopper, victorious in the Christophe Clement (G3) at Gulfstream and Bewitch (G3) at Keeneland earlier this year, should relish the step back up in trip after finishing seventh in the 1 3/16-mile New York (G1) last time. Favorite Memory, too, should improve after leaving her best for late in the 1 1/16-mile Mint Julep (G3).

The Glens Falls has also attracted the main players from the June 13 Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3) at Delaware Park. Dona Clota won that day in a tight photo over Alluring Angel and pacesetter Storm Miami, who was demoted to fourth behind Bellezza for interference in the stretch. Bellezza won the Flower Bowl (G2) and Sheepshead Bay (G3) last term but has yet to show that kind of form in her two starts this season.

The Glens Falls has attracted one shipper from Europe. Survie has been an infrequent winner the past couple of seasons but was dual Group 1-placed in 2025. She finished less than two lengths behind Gezora in the Prix Vermeille (G1) last October.