Constitution’s marathon specialist Parchment Party forged a one-length victory in the $150,000 Birdstone S. Aug. 6 at Saratoga, the second straight stakes win for the 4-year-old colt.
After winning the Belmont Gold Cup (G3) on June 6 by 8 ½-lengths, Parchment Party got the win in Wednesday’s 1 ¾-race in workmanlike fashion. For the first 12 furlongs, he was content to sit several lengths off the pace, then when called on by jockey John Velazquez on the last of three turns, he came up the inside to challenge pacesetter Digital Ops for the lead. With fluid strides, Parchment Party took the lead in mid-stretch and went on to win in hand.
“It was not a runaway (victory) like the last one, but very workmanlike and he just keeps coming,” winning trainer Bill Mott said. “I guess that’s what you need for these long races, just one that is not stopping.”
Parchment Party is now heading to the southern hemisphere for the historic Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1) Nov. 4 at Flemington Racecourse.
Winning owner Dana Bernhard of Pin Oak Stud confirmed the schedule. “It’s our plan–go to the Melbourne Cup, quarantine in England, then go on to Australia for quarantine and see how he does.”
After Wednesday’s win, Parchment Party is 4-1-1 in 11 starts and has earned $411,601. Bred in Kentucky by Bobby Flay Thoroughbreds, Parchment Party is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner American Patriot.
Constitution, with more than $9.6 million in progeny earnings to date in 2025, is currently fifth on this year’s General Sire list.
