Earlier this year, Randomized narrowly defeated champion Idiomatic in a thrilling edition of the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1). Now, the two stars are set for a highly anticipated rematch in the $500,000 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) on August 23 at Saratoga Race Course.
This faceoff headlines a competitive Friday card at Saratoga, the day before the star-studded Travers Stakes (G1). The 1 1/8-mile Personal Ensign, which features a field of five older fillies and mares, centres on the rivalry between Juddmonte's 5-year-old mare Idiomatic and Klaravich Stables' 4-year-old filly Randomized.
In their last meeting, Randomized dug in through a fierce stretch battle to defeat Idiomatic by a head in the Ogden Phipps on June 8, snapping Idiomatic’s six-race win streak. That win also marked the Randomized third straight Saratoga victory, following her dominant performance in last year’s Alabama Stakes (G1).
"She’s not a big horse, but she’s fast and likes to go to the lead and carry her speed," said trainer Chad Brown. "The Alabama was a big win, and she’s kept her form into her 4-year-old season with the Phipps victory. She’s a really special horse with a lot of heart."
Friday’s race will be the third meeting between Randomized and Idiomatic. In last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), Idiomatic prevailed over Randomized by a half-length. Since the Ogden Phipps, Randomized has been freshened, while Idiomatic, trained by Brad Cox, secured a narrow win in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park on July 20.
The Personal Ensign will once again be contested at 1 1/8 miles, with both Idiomatic and Randomized carrying 124 pounds. Idiomatic claimed her first Grade 1 win in last year’s Personal Ensign, drawing off by four lengths after controlling the pace.
"She’s very talented," Cox added. "She can use her big stride to set a strong pace and wear out her rivals. She doesn’t need to be on the lead either, as we saw when she tracked Randomized in the Breeders’ Cup. We’re hoping for a good trip on Friday."
Idiomatic will break from post 4 with regular rider Florent Geroux aboard, while Randomized starts from the outside post with Joel Rosario, who is undefeated in three rides on the filly.
C Two Racing Stable and Agave Racing Stable’s Soul of an Angel, runner-up to Idiomatic in the Molly Pitcher, also returns for another shot. Brown will also send out Shuvee Stakes (G2) winner Raging Sea, while Grade 2 winner Xigera rounds out the field from the inside post for trainer Phil Bauer.