Thirty Six Red Runs Fourth at Saratoga

Belmont runner-up Thirty Six Red, racing for the first time in nearly two months, finished a distant fourth Wednesday to start the 122nd season of racing at Saratoga Race Course.

The Slew o’ Gold colt went off as the even-money favorite but finished a fading seven lengths behind Dr. Bobby A., who paid $23.60 to win.

Despite the fourth-place finish in the seven-furlong allowance race, Thirty Six Red is still expected to be a major contender for the $1-million Travers Stakes on Aug. 18.

Christiana Stable’s Go for Wand heads a field of 10 fillies in today’s feature at the Saratoga Race Course, the $122,400 Test Stakes at seven furlongs.

Go for Wand, last year’s Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old filly, will carry top weight of 124 and regular rider Randy Romero while conceding from three to eight pounds to her rivals.

Two other contenders, Stella Madrid and Miss Spentyouth, dueled one another at the lead of Belmont’s Prioress Stakes before finishing second and fourth respectively. The winner of the Prioress Stakes, Token Dance, could again profit from a fast early pace.