Trainer Ben Baillargeon wasn’t exactly sure what he saw in Odysseus Bluechip last year, but after a solid start to his sophomore season, the son of Cams Card Shark is making a believer out of his conditioner

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The three-year-old gelding began his 2011 season in fine form with a pair of victories and a second-place effort from four starts.

The sophomore was beaten by just a neck in 1:49.4 during his most recent start, this past Saturday at Mohawk racetrack in his $20,000 elimination for the Summertime Stakes. Baillargeon believes Odysseus Bluechip’s best days are ahead of him, and he hopes he’s right when the three-time winner lines up behind the gate this Saturday in the $60,000 final of the Summertime Stakes.

“He only had one win last year from 10 starts, but he was showing final quarters in 26 and change, so I was hopeful, but you never know how they will turn out,” Baillargeon commented. “Coming into this season, he’s trained back well and is steadily improving.”

A minor injury in December has caused a short delay in Odysseus Bluechip’s 2011 season debut.

“One day he was out jogging and he was feeling so good that he was playing around and cut his pastern,” explained the resident of Rockwood, Ont. “It was a minor injury, but we lost roughly six weeks with him.”

Baillargeon also noted that gelding his pupil was a key turning point in the horse’s success.

“Last year he was getting sulky and we decided to geld him after his two-year-old season was over,” he explained. “I think that’s the biggest reason why he’s improving. He’s stronger now and braver.”

Time will tell, but the veteran conditioner remains optimistic that his bay will continue to advance and possibly race with the Grand Circuit horses this season.

“I sure hope so,” Baillargeon laughed. “I think he’s got the talent to do it. You might hear his name come September or October. He’s only had four starts this year, which only bodes well later in the year.”

Odysseus Blue Chip will look to continue to make Baillargeon a believer when he contests the final of the Summertime Stakes. The dash has been carded as Race 3, and driver Mario Baillargeon will be in the bike for owner Richard Berthiaume. The winner of $44,510 lifetime will start from Post 9.

(WEG)