Here are the entries and post positions for the $200,000 Turf Amazon Handicap, to be run on Monday at Parx Racing. The five-furlong turf sprint has drawn a large and evenly-matched field of twelve fillies and mares, including Daisycutter Handicap winner Nechez Dawn and five-time stakes winner Inspired.
1 Bounding Bi
2 Nechez Dawn
3 Krusin Kelly
4 Inspired
5 Suzee Sunrise
6 Dove Season
7 You Need Me
8 Well Deserved
9 Colony Club
10 Ms. Cruisen'
11 Sensible Lady
12 Rose Salvaje
-Keelerman
Friday, August 31, 2012
Turf Monster Handicap Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $350,000 Turf Monster Handicap (gr. III), to be run on Monday at Parx Racing. The five-furlong turf sprint has drawn a deep and competitive field of eleven, including 2010 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. III) winner Chamberlain Bridge, 2011 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I) winner Sean Avery, the speedy Todd Pletcher-trainee Bridgetown, eight-time stakes winner Royal Currier, and 2011 Turf Monster Handicap winner Ben's Cat.
1 Car Thief
2 Kyma
3 Catalactic
4 Great Mills
5 Ben's Cat
6 Super Chunky
7 Royal Currier
8 Bridgetown
9 Ju Jitsu Jax
10 Sean Avery
11 Chamberlain Bridge
-Keelerman
1 Car Thief
2 Kyma
3 Catalactic
4 Great Mills
5 Ben's Cat
6 Super Chunky
7 Royal Currier
8 Bridgetown
9 Ju Jitsu Jax
10 Sean Avery
11 Chamberlain Bridge
-Keelerman
Smarty Jones Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $350,000 Smarty Jones Stakes (gr. III), to be run on Monday at Parx Racing. The one-mile and seventy-yard race has drawn a large and evenly-matched field of nine three-year-olds, including Dwyer Stakes (gr. II) winner Teeth of the Dog, Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) winner Prospective, and the super-promising allowance winner Not a Given.
1 Runnin Bull
2 Not a Given
3 Teeth of the Dog
4 Easter Gift
5 Prospective
6 Traffic Light
7 Brimstone Island
8 Junebugred
9 My Adonis
-Keelerman
1 Runnin Bull
2 Not a Given
3 Teeth of the Dog
4 Easter Gift
5 Prospective
6 Traffic Light
7 Brimstone Island
8 Junebugred
9 My Adonis
-Keelerman
Glens Falls Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $150,000 Glen Falls Stakes (gr. III), to be run on Monday at Saratoga. The 1 3/8th miles turf race has drawn an intriguing field of eight fillies and mares, including Orchid Stakes (gr. III) winner Hit It Rich, Early Times Mint Julep Handicap (gr. III) winner Bizzy Caroline, and Richmor Aviation Waya Stakes winner Kissable.
1 Hit It Rich
2 Bizzy Caroline
3 Thislilsoulofmine
4 Imperial Pippin
5 Kissable
6 Bubbly Jane
7 Acting Happy
8 Cash for Clunkers
Note: Acting Happy and Cash for Clunkers have been entered for the main-track only.
-Keelerman
1 Hit It Rich
2 Bizzy Caroline
3 Thislilsoulofmine
4 Imperial Pippin
5 Kissable
6 Bubbly Jane
7 Acting Happy
8 Cash for Clunkers
Note: Acting Happy and Cash for Clunkers have been entered for the main-track only.
-Keelerman
Hopeful Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $300,00 Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes (gr. II), to be run on Monday at Saratoga. The prestigious seven-furlong race has drawn a very promising field of nine, led by Sanford Stakes (gr. II) winner Bern Identity, Track Barron Stakes winner Shanghai Bobby, and promising debut winners Overanalyze and Fortify.
1 Show Some Magic
2 Bern Identity
3 Lawn Man
4 Fortify
5 Majestic Hussar
6 Royal Art
7 Overanalyze
8 Vegas No Show
9 Shanghai Bobby
-Keelerman
1 Show Some Magic
2 Bern Identity
3 Lawn Man
4 Fortify
5 Majestic Hussar
6 Royal Art
7 Overanalyze
8 Vegas No Show
9 Shanghai Bobby
-Keelerman
Saranac Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $150,000 Saranac Stakes (gr. III), to be run on Sunday at Saratoga. The nine-furlong turf race has drawn a large and evenly-matched field of eleven, led by the versatile and consistent Lucky Chappy and last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. II) runner-up Excaper.
1 Lucky Chappy
2 Starforce
3 Unbridled Command
4 King Kreesa
5 Excaper
6 Quick Wit
7 Shkspeare Shaliyah
8 Set the Sail
9 Spring to the Sky
10 Skyring
Also Eligible:
11 Politicallycorrect
Note: Politicallycorrect has been entered for the main-track only
1 Lucky Chappy
2 Starforce
3 Unbridled Command
4 King Kreesa
5 Excaper
6 Quick Wit
7 Shkspeare Shaliyah
8 Set the Sail
9 Spring to the Sky
10 Skyring
Also Eligible:
11 Politicallycorrect
Note: Politicallycorrect has been entered for the main-track only
Sorority Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $100,000 Sorority Stakes, to be run on Sunday at Monmouth Park. The six-furlong sprint has drawn an excellent field of eight two-year-old fillies, led by Todd Pletcher's track record-breaking juvenile Teen Pauline.
1 Back to Class
2 Insolvent
3 Doubled
4 Trish's Wish
5 My Emma
6 Teen Pauline
7 I'mclassyandsassy
8 Mr Hall's Opus
-Keelerman
1 Back to Class
2 Insolvent
3 Doubled
4 Trish's Wish
5 My Emma
6 Teen Pauline
7 I'mclassyandsassy
8 Mr Hall's Opus
-Keelerman
Sapling Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $150,000 Sapling Stakes (gr. III), to be run on Sunday at Monmouth Park. The six-furlong sprint has drawn a large and promising field of ten two-year-fillies, led by the Todd Pletcher-trained trio of Overanalyze, Lawn Man, and Drumroll.
1 Tap and Trade
2 Bobcat Jim
3 Brave Dave
4 Overanalyze
5 Keep the Canoli
6 Coach A. J.
7 Drum Roll
8 Special Jo
9 Lucci the Lion
10 Lawn Man
-Keelerman
1 Tap and Trade
2 Bobcat Jim
3 Brave Dave
4 Overanalyze
5 Keep the Canoli
6 Coach A. J.
7 Drum Roll
8 Special Jo
9 Lucci the Lion
10 Lawn Man
-Keelerman
Del Mar Derby Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $300,000 Del Mar Derby (gr. II), to be run on Sunday at Del Mar. The nine-furlong turf race has drawn a large and evenly-matched field of eleven three-year-old colts, led by Lexington Stakes (gr. III) winner All Squared Away, La Jolla Handicap (gr. II) winner Old Time Hockey, and Palm Beach Stakes (gr. III) winner Howe Great.
1 Tones
2 Tribal Tribute
3 Brother Francis
4 All Squared Away
5 My Best Brother
6 Power Foot
7 Midnight Crooner
8 Old Time Hockey
9 Smart Ellis
10 Howe Great
Also Eligible
11 Desormais
-Keelerman
1 Tones
2 Tribal Tribute
3 Brother Francis
4 All Squared Away
5 My Best Brother
6 Power Foot
7 Midnight Crooner
8 Old Time Hockey
9 Smart Ellis
10 Howe Great
Also Eligible
11 Desormais
-Keelerman
Washington Park Handicap Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $150,000 Washington Park Handicap (gr. III), to be run on Saturday at Arlington Park. The nine-furlong race has drawn a fairly small but competitive field of seven, led by 2011 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) winner Pool Play, 2011 Super Derby (gr. II) winner Prayer for Relief, last year's Washington Park Handicap winner Mister Marti Gras, and two-time graded stakes winner Workin for Hops.
1 Ballyjamesduff
2 Middie
3 Workin for Hops
4 Mister Marti Gras
5 Hattaash
6 Prayer for Relief
7 Pool Play
-Keelerman
1 Ballyjamesduff
2 Middie
3 Workin for Hops
4 Mister Marti Gras
5 Hattaash
6 Prayer for Relief
7 Pool Play
-Keelerman
Woodward Stakes Contender Profile: RULE
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC
Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
RACE RECORD
Age 5
9th Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
1st Monmouth Cup Stakes (gr. II)
Age 4
7th Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Woodward Stakes (gr. I)
1st Birdstone Stakes
3rd Salvator Mile Stakes (gr. III)
9th Charles Town Classic Stakes (gr. III)
6th Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Donn Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Hal's Hope Stakes (gr. III)
Age 3
3rd Florida Derby (gr. I)
1st Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
1st Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (gr. III)
1st Jean Lafitte Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Rule in the past, click here.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC
Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
RACE RECORD
Age 5
9th Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
1st Monmouth Cup Stakes (gr. II)
Age 4
7th Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Woodward Stakes (gr. I)
1st Birdstone Stakes
3rd Salvator Mile Stakes (gr. III)
9th Charles Town Classic Stakes (gr. III)
6th Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Donn Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Hal's Hope Stakes (gr. III)
Age 3
3rd Florida Derby (gr. I)
1st Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
1st Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (gr. III)
1st Jean Lafitte Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Fusaichi Pegasus | ||
| Roman Ruler | ||
| Silvery Swan | ||
| Rule | ||
| Personal Flag | ||
| Rockcide | ||
| Belle's Good Cide |
To read what I have written about Rule in the past, click here.
Woodward Stakes Contender Profile: MUCHO MACHO MAN
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing
Trainer: Katherine Ritvo
Breeder: John D. Rio and Carole A. Rio
Jockey: Mike Smith
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Suburban Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Alysheba Stakes (gr. III)
1st Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II)
1st Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes
Age 3
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
7th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
6th Preakness Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
3rd Louisiana Derby (gr. I)
1st Risen Star Stakes (gr. II)
4th Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
2nd Remsen Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Nashua Stakes (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Mucho Macho Man in the past, click here.
Trainer: Katherine Ritvo
Breeder: John D. Rio and Carole A. Rio
Jockey: Mike Smith
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Suburban Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Alysheba Stakes (gr. III)
1st Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II)
1st Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes
Age 3
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
7th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
6th Preakness Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
3rd Louisiana Derby (gr. I)
1st Risen Star Stakes (gr. II)
4th Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
2nd Remsen Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Nashua Stakes (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Holy Bull | ||
| Macho Uno | ||
| Primal Force | ||
| Mucho Macho Man | ||
| Ponche | ||
| Ponche de Leona | ||
| Perfect and Proud |
To read what I have written about Mucho Macho Man in the past, click here.
Woodward Stakes Contender Profile: TRICKMEISTER
Owner: IEAH Stables, Pegasus Holdings Group Stables LLC and Mark Frimmel
Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones and Timothy C. Thornton
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
RACE RECORD
Age 5
5th Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Suburban Handicap (gr. I)
1st Vanlandingham Stakes
6th Donn Handicap (gr. I)
Age 4
1st Harlan's Holiday Stakes
Age 3
1st Pleasant Colony Stakes
1st Barbaro Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Trickmeister in the past, click here.
Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones and Timothy C. Thornton
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
RACE RECORD
Age 5
5th Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Suburban Handicap (gr. I)
1st Vanlandingham Stakes
6th Donn Handicap (gr. I)
Age 4
1st Harlan's Holiday Stakes
Age 3
1st Pleasant Colony Stakes
1st Barbaro Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Gone West | ||
| Proud Citizen | ||
| Drums of Freedom | ||
| Trickmeister | ||
| Afternoon Deelites | ||
| Afternoon Trick | ||
| Gatap |
To read what I have written about Trickmeister in the past, click here.
Woodward Stakes Contender Profile: STAY THIRSTY
Owner: Repole Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: John D. Gunther and John Darren Gunther
Jockey: Javier Castellano
RACE RECORD
Age 4
5th Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
2nd Vanlandingham Stakes
Age 3
11th Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)
3rd Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (gr. I)
1st Travers Stakes (gr. I)
1st Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
12th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
7th Florida Derby (gr. I)
1st Gotham Stakes (gr. I)
Age 2
5th Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)
2nd Hopeful Stakes (gr. I)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Stay Thirsty in the past, click here.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: John D. Gunther and John Darren Gunther
Jockey: Javier Castellano
RACE RECORD
Age 4
5th Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
2nd Vanlandingham Stakes
Age 3
11th Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)
3rd Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (gr. I)
1st Travers Stakes (gr. I)
1st Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
12th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
7th Florida Derby (gr. I)
1st Gotham Stakes (gr. I)
Age 2
5th Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)
2nd Hopeful Stakes (gr. I)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| A.P. Indy | ||
| Bernardini | ||
| Cara Rafaela | ||
| To Honor and Serve | ||
| Storm Bird | ||
| Marozia | ||
| Make Charge |
To read what I have written about Stay Thirsty in the past, click here.
Woodward Stakes Contender Profile: TO HONOR AND SERVE
Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Trainer: Bill Mott
Breeder: Twin Creeks Farm, Larry Byer, and Rancho San Miguel
Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 4
4th Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I)
1st Westchester Handicap (gr. III)
Age 3
1st Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I)
7th Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)
1st Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
6th Amsterdam Stakes (gr. III)
3rd Florida Derby (gr. I)
3rd Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II)
Age 2
1st Remsen Stakes (gr. II)
1st Nashua Stakes (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about To Honor and Serve in the past, click here.
Trainer: Bill Mott
Breeder: Twin Creeks Farm, Larry Byer, and Rancho San Miguel
Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 4
4th Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I)
1st Westchester Handicap (gr. III)
Age 3
1st Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I)
7th Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)
1st Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
6th Amsterdam Stakes (gr. III)
3rd Florida Derby (gr. I)
3rd Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II)
Age 2
1st Remsen Stakes (gr. II)
1st Nashua Stakes (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| A.P. Indy | ||
| Bernardini | ||
| Cara Rafaela | ||
| To Honor and Serve | ||
| Deputy Minister | ||
| Pilfer | ||
| Misty Hour |
To read what I have written about To Honor and Serve in the past, click here.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Woodward Stakes Contender Profile: CEASE
Owner: Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider
Trainer: Albert Stall, Jr.
Breeder: Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider
Jockey: Joel Rosario
RACE RECORD
Age 5
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Louisville Handicap (gr. III)
4th Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III)
1st Maxxam Gold Cup Handicap
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 4
5th Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III)
3rd Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (gr. II)
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
Age 3
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Cease in the past, click here.
Trainer: Albert Stall, Jr.
Breeder: Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider
Jockey: Joel Rosario
RACE RECORD
Age 5
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Louisville Handicap (gr. III)
4th Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III)
1st Maxxam Gold Cup Handicap
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 4
5th Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III)
3rd Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (gr. II)
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
Age 3
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Danzig | ||
| War Chant | ||
| Hollywood Wildcat | ||
| Cease | ||
| Cox's Ridge | ||
| Limit | ||
| Bound |
To read what I have written about Cease in the past, click here.
Spinaway Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $300,000 Spinaway Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Sunday at Saratoga. The prestigious seven-furlong race has drawn a strong field of seven two-year-old fillies, led by impressive debut winners Teen Pauline and Dreaming of Julia, as well as Schuylerville Stakes (gr. III) winner So Many Ways.
1 Teen Pauline
2 Corail
3 So Many Ways
4 Sweet Shirley Mae
5 Baby J
6 Dreaming of Julia
7 Seasoned Warrior
-Keelerman
1 Teen Pauline
2 Corail
3 So Many Ways
4 Sweet Shirley Mae
5 Baby J
6 Dreaming of Julia
7 Seasoned Warrior
-Keelerman
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Juveniles at Saratoga -- August 20-23rd, 2012
August 20th
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for New York-bred 2yos
Eight went to post, and there was no clear favorite. In a race that seemed ripe for upset, Half Wildcat succeeded in doing so at odds of 5-1, rallying strongly from fourth to wear down Everydoghashisday for a half-length victory. The final time was 1:03.21. Everydoghashisday tracked the pace in third and finished up well, but couldn't keep pace with the winner inside the final furlong. Birchwood Road, the mild favorite, closed well from seventh after a slow start but ran out of ground. Grahamandwithers set a decent pace of :22.21 and :45.28 before giving way and finishing in a dead-heat for sixth.
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight
8.5 furlongs for New York-bred 2yos
Todd Pletcher, Mike Repole, and John Velazquez teamed up with favored Notacatbutallama, who went off at even-money but ran like a 1-5 shot. After tracking the pace in second for three-quarters of a mile, the colt burst clear when turning for home and quickly opened up a five-length lead, which he extended to 6 1/2 by the time he hit the finish line in 1:43.67 seconds. Irish Jade was squeezed at the start and dropped some thirteen lengths off the lead, but rallied very well along the inside to secure second in a bold performance. Arctic Missile sat a few lengths off of the early lead in a good stalking position, but raced greenly in the homestretch while failing to quicken and wound up a distant third. Slimshady set a slow pace of :25.03, :49.96, and 1:14.97 before giving way badly and finishing last of nine.
August 22nd
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs for New York-bred 2yos
All six of the entrants were first-time starters. Goodtolook was favored, but after leading the way through fractions of :22.29 and :45.53, he weakened in the homestretch and wound up fourth. The winner was Meet the Mets, who tracked the pace in fourth before encountering traffic in the homestretch. The son of Grand Slam was able to split horses near the eighth pole, and from there, he accelerated well to catch Sandy'z Slew for a half-length victory in 1:04.42. The latter colt raced in second for much of the race, took over the lead outside the eighth pole, and just missed late while turning in a good effort. Saint Arthur finished third in an even effort.
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight
1 1/16th miles on turf for 2yo fillies
Chad Brown had a pair of starters, including favored The Lady Says Yes, and in the end, they finished 1-2 -- but not in the expected order. The winner ended up being Bourbon Twist, a daughter of Langfuhr out of the Cozzene mare Pammie From Miami. With Ramon Dominguez aboard, Bourbon Twist sat reserved in sixth early on as Flattermewithroses set a slow pace of :25.80, :50.47, and 1:14.98. He then accelerated sharply to taker over the lead turning for home and led by a commanding 2 1/2 lengths past the eighth pole before drawing off easily to win by 4 1/4 in 1:44.80. The Lady Says Yes trailed the field for three-quarters of a mile before finishing up with a good run to secure the place. Moonlit Sonnet tracked the pace in second for much of the race before winding up third in an even effort. Flattermewithroses tired to finish sixth.
Race 7: Maiden Claiming
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for 2yos
Todd Pletcher had the odds-on favorite in Coach A. J., and the colt rewarded his backers with a gritty victory. Under Javier Castellano, the son of Tale of the Cat went straight to the lead and set quick fractions of :21.99 and :44.99 before getting passed by Boston Proper in the homestretch. He appeared to be on his way to a defeat, but the colt re-rallied gamely in deep stretch to claim a neck victory in 1:02.89 seconds. Boston Proper tracked the early pace and put in a good run in the homestretch to claim the lead, but couldn't hold off the winner late. River Cruising settled into fourth early on but couldn't really make headway in the homestretch while securing the show.
August 23rd
Race 6: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for 2yos
Hightail was the favorite off of a third-place finish in a main-track maiden special weight here at Saratoga on August 4th, and while the D. Wayne Lukas-trainee ran well in this spot, he was beaten to the wire by Central Banker. The latter colt, trained by Albert Stall Jr., raced in fourth place while Redwood Kitten and Hightail set quick fractions of :22.26 and :44.51. He then rallied along the rail under Rosie Napravnik to reach contention entering the homestretch, shifted to the outside, and wore down Hightail late to win by a head in 1:02.21. Hightail ran well to open up a one-length lead passing the eighth pole, but couldn't quite finish the deal while turning in another good effort.
-Keelerman
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for New York-bred 2yos
Eight went to post, and there was no clear favorite. In a race that seemed ripe for upset, Half Wildcat succeeded in doing so at odds of 5-1, rallying strongly from fourth to wear down Everydoghashisday for a half-length victory. The final time was 1:03.21. Everydoghashisday tracked the pace in third and finished up well, but couldn't keep pace with the winner inside the final furlong. Birchwood Road, the mild favorite, closed well from seventh after a slow start but ran out of ground. Grahamandwithers set a decent pace of :22.21 and :45.28 before giving way and finishing in a dead-heat for sixth.
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight
8.5 furlongs for New York-bred 2yos
Todd Pletcher, Mike Repole, and John Velazquez teamed up with favored Notacatbutallama, who went off at even-money but ran like a 1-5 shot. After tracking the pace in second for three-quarters of a mile, the colt burst clear when turning for home and quickly opened up a five-length lead, which he extended to 6 1/2 by the time he hit the finish line in 1:43.67 seconds. Irish Jade was squeezed at the start and dropped some thirteen lengths off the lead, but rallied very well along the inside to secure second in a bold performance. Arctic Missile sat a few lengths off of the early lead in a good stalking position, but raced greenly in the homestretch while failing to quicken and wound up a distant third. Slimshady set a slow pace of :25.03, :49.96, and 1:14.97 before giving way badly and finishing last of nine.
August 22nd
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs for New York-bred 2yos
All six of the entrants were first-time starters. Goodtolook was favored, but after leading the way through fractions of :22.29 and :45.53, he weakened in the homestretch and wound up fourth. The winner was Meet the Mets, who tracked the pace in fourth before encountering traffic in the homestretch. The son of Grand Slam was able to split horses near the eighth pole, and from there, he accelerated well to catch Sandy'z Slew for a half-length victory in 1:04.42. The latter colt raced in second for much of the race, took over the lead outside the eighth pole, and just missed late while turning in a good effort. Saint Arthur finished third in an even effort.
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight
1 1/16th miles on turf for 2yo fillies
Chad Brown had a pair of starters, including favored The Lady Says Yes, and in the end, they finished 1-2 -- but not in the expected order. The winner ended up being Bourbon Twist, a daughter of Langfuhr out of the Cozzene mare Pammie From Miami. With Ramon Dominguez aboard, Bourbon Twist sat reserved in sixth early on as Flattermewithroses set a slow pace of :25.80, :50.47, and 1:14.98. He then accelerated sharply to taker over the lead turning for home and led by a commanding 2 1/2 lengths past the eighth pole before drawing off easily to win by 4 1/4 in 1:44.80. The Lady Says Yes trailed the field for three-quarters of a mile before finishing up with a good run to secure the place. Moonlit Sonnet tracked the pace in second for much of the race before winding up third in an even effort. Flattermewithroses tired to finish sixth.
Race 7: Maiden Claiming
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for 2yos
Todd Pletcher had the odds-on favorite in Coach A. J., and the colt rewarded his backers with a gritty victory. Under Javier Castellano, the son of Tale of the Cat went straight to the lead and set quick fractions of :21.99 and :44.99 before getting passed by Boston Proper in the homestretch. He appeared to be on his way to a defeat, but the colt re-rallied gamely in deep stretch to claim a neck victory in 1:02.89 seconds. Boston Proper tracked the early pace and put in a good run in the homestretch to claim the lead, but couldn't hold off the winner late. River Cruising settled into fourth early on but couldn't really make headway in the homestretch while securing the show.
August 23rd
Race 6: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for 2yos
Hightail was the favorite off of a third-place finish in a main-track maiden special weight here at Saratoga on August 4th, and while the D. Wayne Lukas-trainee ran well in this spot, he was beaten to the wire by Central Banker. The latter colt, trained by Albert Stall Jr., raced in fourth place while Redwood Kitten and Hightail set quick fractions of :22.26 and :44.51. He then rallied along the rail under Rosie Napravnik to reach contention entering the homestretch, shifted to the outside, and wore down Hightail late to win by a head in 1:02.21. Hightail ran well to open up a one-length lead passing the eighth pole, but couldn't quite finish the deal while turning in another good effort.
-Keelerman
Del Mar Debutante Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Del Mar. The prestigious seven-furlong race has drawn an exceptional field of nine two-year-old fillies, led by Sorrento Stakes (gr. III) winner Executiveprivilege, impressive debut winner Mechaya, and the Richard Mandella-trained Beholder.
1 Heir Kitty
2 Pat's Back
3 Miss Empire
4 Speedinthruthecity
5 Wasted At Midnight
6 Mechaya
7 Renee's Titan
8 Executiveprivilege
9 Beholder
-Keelerman
1 Heir Kitty
2 Pat's Back
3 Miss Empire
4 Speedinthruthecity
5 Wasted At Midnight
6 Mechaya
7 Renee's Titan
8 Executiveprivilege
9 Beholder
-Keelerman
Bernard Baruch Handicap Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The 1 1/16th miles turf race has drawn a very evenly-matched field of eight, including grade I winner Data Link and Firecracker Handicap (gr. II) winner Guys Reward.
1 Data Link
2 Crimson China
3 Queen'splatekitten
4 Dominus
5 Guys Reward
6 Sky Blazer
7 Prince Will I Am
8 Alma d'Oro
Note: Alma d'Oro has been entered for the main-track only.
1 Data Link
2 Crimson China
3 Queen'splatekitten
4 Dominus
5 Guys Reward
6 Sky Blazer
7 Prince Will I Am
8 Alma d'Oro
Note: Alma d'Oro has been entered for the main-track only.
Forego Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $500,000 Forego Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The prestigious seven-furlong sprint has drawn a magnificent field of eight, including grade I winners Shackleford, Jackson Bend, and Jersey Town, as well as the veteran graded stakes winner Caixa Eletronica, the super-promising Emcee, and James Marvin Stakes (gr. III) winner Pacific Ocean.
1 Jersey Town
2 Shackleford
3 Isn't He Perfect
4 Jackson Bend
5 Pacific Ocean
6 Emcee
7 Caixa Eletronica
8 Hamazing Destiny
-Keelerman
1 Jersey Town
2 Shackleford
3 Isn't He Perfect
4 Jackson Bend
5 Pacific Ocean
6 Emcee
7 Caixa Eletronica
8 Hamazing Destiny
-Keelerman
Woodward Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The prestigious nine-furlong race has been won in recent years by such champions as Curlin, Rachel Alexandra, and Havre de Grace, stamping itself as one of the key races in the country for settling Eclipse awards. This year's renewal has drawn a small but talented field of seven, led by grade I winners To Honor and Serve and Stay Thirsty, as well as Suburban Handicap (gr. II) winner Mucho Macho Man and multiple graded stakes winner Rule.
1 Rule
2 Gourmet Dinner
3 Mucho Macho Man
4 Trickmeister
5 Stay Thirsty
6 To Honor and Serve
7 Cease
-Keelerman
1 Rule
2 Gourmet Dinner
3 Mucho Macho Man
4 Trickmeister
5 Stay Thirsty
6 To Honor and Serve
7 Cease
-Keelerman
Monday, August 27, 2012
With Anticipation Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $200,000 With Anticipation Stakes (gr. III), to be run on August 30th at Saratoga. The 1 1/16th miles turf race has drawn a huge field of sixteen two-year-old, including such promising maiden winners as Notacatbutallama, Charming Kitten, Bernie the Jet, and Craving Carats.
1 Almost an Angel
2 Craving Carats
3 He's So Fine
4 Special Skills
5 Charming Kitten
6 Joha
7 Bernie the Jet
8 Sonofasamurai
9 The B's and E's
10 Notacatbutallama
11 Hightail
12 Private Tutor
Also Eligibles:
13 Balance the Books
14 Lawn Man
15 Sweet Shirley Mae
16 Read the Proposal
Note: Lawn Man, Sweet Shirley Mae, and Read the Proposal are entered for the main-track only.
-Keelerman
1 Almost an Angel
2 Craving Carats
3 He's So Fine
4 Special Skills
5 Charming Kitten
6 Joha
7 Bernie the Jet
8 Sonofasamurai
9 The B's and E's
10 Notacatbutallama
11 Hightail
12 Private Tutor
Also Eligibles:
13 Balance the Books
14 Lawn Man
15 Sweet Shirley Mae
16 Read the Proposal
Note: Lawn Man, Sweet Shirley Mae, and Read the Proposal are entered for the main-track only.
-Keelerman
P. G. Johnson Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $100,000 P. G. Johnson Stakes, to be run on August 29th at Saratoga. The 8.5-furlong turf race has drawn a large field of lightly-raced two-year-old fillies, including a trio of Todd Pletcher-trainees -- Top Tier Lass, Skyfall, and Tara From the Cape.
1 Top Tier Lass
2 Broken Spell
3 Da Mi Basia Mille
4 Skyfall
5 Almost an Angel
6 Watsdachances
7 Oscar Party
8 Incredible Journey
9 Tara From the Cape
10 Go Kitten Go
Also Eligibles:
11 Over the Counter
12 Sweet Shirley Mae
Note: Over the Counter and Sweet Shirley Mae are entered for the main-track only.
1 Top Tier Lass
2 Broken Spell
3 Da Mi Basia Mille
4 Skyfall
5 Almost an Angel
6 Watsdachances
7 Oscar Party
8 Incredible Journey
9 Tara From the Cape
10 Go Kitten Go
Also Eligibles:
11 Over the Counter
12 Sweet Shirley Mae
Note: Over the Counter and Sweet Shirley Mae are entered for the main-track only.
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- August 27th, 2012
Note: Rankings for the Juvenile races will begin in early September. Horses may appear on more than one list.
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 Paynter
4 Fort Larned
5 Alpha
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Acclamation
3 Point of Entry
4 St. Nicholas Abbey
5 Dullahan
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Obviously
3 Mr. Commons
4 Suggestive Boy
5 Little Mike
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 The Factor
4 Camp Victory
5 Emcee
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Questing
2 Royal Delta
3 Include Me Out
4 It's Tricky
5 Amani
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Lady of Shamrock
3 Zagora
4 Stephanie's Kitten
5 Dream Peace
DIRT MILE
1 Mucho Macho Man
2 Shackleford
3 To Honor and Serve
4 Coil
5 Rail Trip
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Turbulent Descent
3 Winding Way
4 Contested
5 Switch
TURF SPRINT
1 Lakerville
2 Shrug
3 California Flag
4 Perfect Officer
5 Nechez Dawn
MARATHON
1 Redeemed
2 Jakkalberry
3 Birdrun
4 Not Abroad
5 Dynamic Host
-Keelerman
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 Paynter
4 Fort Larned
5 Alpha
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Acclamation
3 Point of Entry
4 St. Nicholas Abbey
5 Dullahan
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Obviously
3 Mr. Commons
4 Suggestive Boy
5 Little Mike
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 The Factor
4 Camp Victory
5 Emcee
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Questing
2 Royal Delta
3 Include Me Out
4 It's Tricky
5 Amani
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Lady of Shamrock
3 Zagora
4 Stephanie's Kitten
5 Dream Peace
DIRT MILE
1 Mucho Macho Man
2 Shackleford
3 To Honor and Serve
4 Coil
5 Rail Trip
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Turbulent Descent
3 Winding Way
4 Contested
5 Switch
TURF SPRINT
1 Lakerville
2 Shrug
3 California Flag
4 Perfect Officer
5 Nechez Dawn
MARATHON
1 Redeemed
2 Jakkalberry
3 Birdrun
4 Not Abroad
5 Dynamic Host
-Keelerman
The Juveniles at Saratoga -- August 18-19th, 2012
Todd Pletcher sent out a pair of winners over the course of these two days, with both Violence and Kimono turning in impressive performances that could very well lead to appearances in stakes races next month. But the most impressive winner was probably Sonofasamurai, who looks like a legitimate contender for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. I) in November.
August 18th
Race 2: Maiden Special Weight
8.5 furlongs on turf for 2yos
Lemon Drop Dream was an odds-on favorite for trainer Steve Asmussen, but after tracking a moderate pace, he failed to accelerate in the homestretch and wound up finishing a close third. In the meantime, Sonofasamurai raced in fourth, split horses in the homestretch, and burst clear under jockey David Cohen to win the race by a decisive three lengths. Kenny McPeek trains the son of First Samurai, who stopped the clock in 1:44.60. Elmutahid set a slow pace of :24.50, :50.55, and 1:15.48 while leading Lemon Drop Dream by a length, steadied a bit when Sonofasamurai split horses, dropped back to fourth passing the eighth pole, then re-rallied to secure second in a four-horse photo.
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight
7 furlongs for 2yos
Trainer Todd Pletcher had the favorite in Violence, who was sent off at 0.80-1 and ran to his odds. With John Velazquez aboard, the son of Medaglia d'Oro tracked the pace in third before finishing up with a determined run to just get the victory over Titletown Five in 1:22.91 seconds. The latter colt set a good pace of :22.54, :45.14, and 1:09.67 before being surpassed late by the favorite. First-time starter Orb reared at the start and trailed the field by fourteen lengths early on, but put in an exceptional late run under Joel Rosario to finish third, beaten just 1 1/4 lengths. He looks like a good one to me.
August 19th
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
7 furlongs for 2yo fillies
Kimono and Kansas raced as a coupled entry and were sent off at 1-5. Both were coming off of runner-up efforts on the opening day of this Saratoga meet, and in the end, they ran 1-2. But someone had to emerge as the winner, and the victorious filly was Kimono. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Bernardini didn't get off to the best of starts, but quickly recovered to take command of the lead while setting fractions of :22.86 and :46.41. From there, she drew off easily under a hand ride from jockey Javier Castellano to win the race by two lengths in 1:24.07. Kansas, from the barn of Wesley Ward, spent much of the race in fourth place before rallying well in the homestretch to finish second. Liberty Girl also put in a good run, closing from fifth to miss second by just a neck.
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight
8.5 furlongs on turf for 2yo fillies
Citizen Emma was the favorite for trainer Todd Pletcher, thanks to her runner-up effort in a similar race here at Saratoga on July 23rd. But after setting a moderately testing pace of :23.58, :48.09, and 1:11.80, she was unable to accelerate sufficiently in the homestretch and wound up finishing sixth. In the meantime, the D. Wayne Lukas-trainee Broken Spell settled into fourth, slowly advanced throughout the race, and out-finished Always Kitten to win the race in 1:42.28 seconds. The latter filly spent most of the race in fifth before rallying to secure second, although never a serious threat to Broken Spell. J'esprit did not get off to a good start, but nevertheless put in a good run to finish third.
-Keelerman
August 18th
Race 2: Maiden Special Weight
8.5 furlongs on turf for 2yos
Lemon Drop Dream was an odds-on favorite for trainer Steve Asmussen, but after tracking a moderate pace, he failed to accelerate in the homestretch and wound up finishing a close third. In the meantime, Sonofasamurai raced in fourth, split horses in the homestretch, and burst clear under jockey David Cohen to win the race by a decisive three lengths. Kenny McPeek trains the son of First Samurai, who stopped the clock in 1:44.60. Elmutahid set a slow pace of :24.50, :50.55, and 1:15.48 while leading Lemon Drop Dream by a length, steadied a bit when Sonofasamurai split horses, dropped back to fourth passing the eighth pole, then re-rallied to secure second in a four-horse photo.
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight
7 furlongs for 2yos
Trainer Todd Pletcher had the favorite in Violence, who was sent off at 0.80-1 and ran to his odds. With John Velazquez aboard, the son of Medaglia d'Oro tracked the pace in third before finishing up with a determined run to just get the victory over Titletown Five in 1:22.91 seconds. The latter colt set a good pace of :22.54, :45.14, and 1:09.67 before being surpassed late by the favorite. First-time starter Orb reared at the start and trailed the field by fourteen lengths early on, but put in an exceptional late run under Joel Rosario to finish third, beaten just 1 1/4 lengths. He looks like a good one to me.
August 19th
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
7 furlongs for 2yo fillies
Kimono and Kansas raced as a coupled entry and were sent off at 1-5. Both were coming off of runner-up efforts on the opening day of this Saratoga meet, and in the end, they ran 1-2. But someone had to emerge as the winner, and the victorious filly was Kimono. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Bernardini didn't get off to the best of starts, but quickly recovered to take command of the lead while setting fractions of :22.86 and :46.41. From there, she drew off easily under a hand ride from jockey Javier Castellano to win the race by two lengths in 1:24.07. Kansas, from the barn of Wesley Ward, spent much of the race in fourth place before rallying well in the homestretch to finish second. Liberty Girl also put in a good run, closing from fifth to miss second by just a neck.
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight
8.5 furlongs on turf for 2yo fillies
Citizen Emma was the favorite for trainer Todd Pletcher, thanks to her runner-up effort in a similar race here at Saratoga on July 23rd. But after setting a moderately testing pace of :23.58, :48.09, and 1:11.80, she was unable to accelerate sufficiently in the homestretch and wound up finishing sixth. In the meantime, the D. Wayne Lukas-trainee Broken Spell settled into fourth, slowly advanced throughout the race, and out-finished Always Kitten to win the race in 1:42.28 seconds. The latter filly spent most of the race in fifth before rallying to secure second, although never a serious threat to Broken Spell. J'esprit did not get off to a good start, but nevertheless put in a good run to finish third.
-Keelerman
Sunday, August 26, 2012
DULLAHAN WINS THE PACIFIC CLASSIC!
Dullahan, the lone three-year-old in a field of ten, rallied brilliantly from off-the-pace to defeat heavily favored Game On Dude in the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic (gr. I) this afternoon at Del Mar, breaking the track record in the process.
Ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, Dullahan got off to a good start at the beginning of the prestigious ten-furlong race, but was content to drop back into ninth-place early on as Riveting Reason set a moderately quick pace of :23.61 and :46.98 seconds. Suggestive Boy was racing up close in second, with Game On Dude in third after a poor start. Akkadian was also flashing speed, with Rail Trip, Amani, Jaycito, and Richard's Kid comprising the middle of the pack. Dullahan and Where's Sterling were the early trailers.
Rounding the far turn, Game On Dude made a bold run to seize command of the lead, and entered the homestretch with what appeared to be an insurmountable advantage. However, Dullahan was putting in a tremendous rally on the far outside, and the colt blew past Game On Dude in deep stretch to win going away in 1:59.54, eclipsing the previous track record of 2:00.61 set by Acclamation in this race last year. Overall, it was the second-fastest Pacific Classic of all time.
Richard's Kid rallied for third, while Rail Trip, Suggestive Boy, and Amani rounded out the top six. The winner is owned by Donegal Racing and trained by Dale Romans.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, Dullahan got off to a good start at the beginning of the prestigious ten-furlong race, but was content to drop back into ninth-place early on as Riveting Reason set a moderately quick pace of :23.61 and :46.98 seconds. Suggestive Boy was racing up close in second, with Game On Dude in third after a poor start. Akkadian was also flashing speed, with Rail Trip, Amani, Jaycito, and Richard's Kid comprising the middle of the pack. Dullahan and Where's Sterling were the early trailers.
Rounding the far turn, Game On Dude made a bold run to seize command of the lead, and entered the homestretch with what appeared to be an insurmountable advantage. However, Dullahan was putting in a tremendous rally on the far outside, and the colt blew past Game On Dude in deep stretch to win going away in 1:59.54, eclipsing the previous track record of 2:00.61 set by Acclamation in this race last year. Overall, it was the second-fastest Pacific Classic of all time.
Richard's Kid rallied for third, while Rail Trip, Suggestive Boy, and Amani rounded out the top six. The winner is owned by Donegal Racing and trained by Dale Romans.
-Keelerman
OBVIOUSLY WINS THE DEL MAR MILE HANDICAP!
Obviously turned in one of the most impressive performances in Del Mar history this afternoon when he won the $200,000 Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. II) in track record time after setting an absolutely blazing pace.
Ridden to victory by Joe Talamo, Obviously got off to a good start in the one-mile turf event and quickly opened up a sizable advantage while running the opening quarter mile in :22.64 seconds. Tale of a Champion was racing in second, followed closely by Calimonco and Norvsky. Jeranimo and Mr. Commons were the early trailers.
Obviously continued to flash his tremendous speed through a half-mile in :45.45 seconds, which gave him a five-length advantage over the field going down the backstretch. At that stage, he had every opportunity to let up and take a breather, but the gelding barreled around the far turn without any intentions of resting and rattled off three-quarters in a practically unheard of 1:08.85 seconds. And he didn't stop there. From the quarter pole to the eighth pole, he ran his seventh furlong in :11.50 seconds. And then, with Mr. Commons surging on the outside, Obviously stayed on for a final eighth in :11.75 seconds to win the race by a nose in 1:32.10, eclipsing the previous track record of 1:32.21 set by Three Valleys in 2005.
Jeranimo rallied mildly to finish third, while Norvsky, Calimonco, and Tale of a Champion completed the order of finish. The winner is a son of the Australian-bred stallion Choisir and is out of the Montjeu mare Leala. He is trained by Mike Mitchell and owned by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Joe Talamo, Obviously got off to a good start in the one-mile turf event and quickly opened up a sizable advantage while running the opening quarter mile in :22.64 seconds. Tale of a Champion was racing in second, followed closely by Calimonco and Norvsky. Jeranimo and Mr. Commons were the early trailers.
Obviously continued to flash his tremendous speed through a half-mile in :45.45 seconds, which gave him a five-length advantage over the field going down the backstretch. At that stage, he had every opportunity to let up and take a breather, but the gelding barreled around the far turn without any intentions of resting and rattled off three-quarters in a practically unheard of 1:08.85 seconds. And he didn't stop there. From the quarter pole to the eighth pole, he ran his seventh furlong in :11.50 seconds. And then, with Mr. Commons surging on the outside, Obviously stayed on for a final eighth in :11.75 seconds to win the race by a nose in 1:32.10, eclipsing the previous track record of 1:32.21 set by Three Valleys in 2005.
Jeranimo rallied mildly to finish third, while Norvsky, Calimonco, and Tale of a Champion completed the order of finish. The winner is a son of the Australian-bred stallion Choisir and is out of the Montjeu mare Leala. He is trained by Mike Mitchell and owned by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino.
-Keelerman
CAPITAL ACCOUNT WINS THE PAT O'BRIEN STAKES!
Capital Account rallied well from off-the-pace to defeat his stablemate Coil in the $250,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II) this afternoon at Del Mar, giving trainer Bob Baffert a 1-2 sweep of the prestigious sprint.
With David Flores aboard, Capital Account got off to a good start but quickly took back and settled into the fifth position as Don Tito and Coil set a very moderate pace of :23.78 and :46.81. Camp Victory was right on their outside in third, followed along the rail by Bruce's Dream. Mobilized was the distant trailer among the six runners.
Rounding the turn, Don Tito began to drop back just a bit, allowing Coil to take command of the lead. Camp Victory was also looming a serious threat, with Bruce's Dream in contention behind horses and Capital Account gearing up on the far outside. In the homestretch, Coil put away Camp Victory and appeared to be on his way to victory, but Capital Account surged late on the far outside to secure a neck victory in the sharp time of 1:21.56.
Camp Victory finished third, followed by Bruce's Dream, Mobilized, and Don Tito.
-Keelerman
With David Flores aboard, Capital Account got off to a good start but quickly took back and settled into the fifth position as Don Tito and Coil set a very moderate pace of :23.78 and :46.81. Camp Victory was right on their outside in third, followed along the rail by Bruce's Dream. Mobilized was the distant trailer among the six runners.
Rounding the turn, Don Tito began to drop back just a bit, allowing Coil to take command of the lead. Camp Victory was also looming a serious threat, with Bruce's Dream in contention behind horses and Capital Account gearing up on the far outside. In the homestretch, Coil put away Camp Victory and appeared to be on his way to victory, but Capital Account surged late on the far outside to secure a neck victory in the sharp time of 1:21.56.
Camp Victory finished third, followed by Bruce's Dream, Mobilized, and Don Tito.
-Keelerman
LOVE AND PRIDE WINS THE PERSONAL ENSIGN HANDICAP!
Love and Pride posted a 10-1 upset this afternoon in the $600,000 Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga, holding off a late bid from Royal Delta to win the nine-furlong race by a half-length.
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Love and Pride got off to a good start and found herself in second place early on, tracking a moderate pace of :23.16 and :47.69 set by Brushed by a Star. Royal Delta was racing in third on the outside, followed by It's Tricky, who stumbled very badly at the start and found herself off-the-pace rather than on the lead. Tiz Miz Sue and R Gypsy Gold were content to trail the field.
The positions remained unchanged down the backstretch, but rounding the final turn, Love and Pride moved up to take over the lead while Royal Delta loomed a serious threat on the far outside. Then, along the rail, It's Tricky found racing room and shot through to contend for the lead as the field turned for home.
It appeared as though the expected battle between It's Tricky and Royal Delta was about to materialize, but Love and Pride spurted away from them at the top of the stretch and appeared to be on her way to a decisive victory. Royal Delta rallied well inside the final eighth of a mile to make it close, but Love and Pride had enough left to pull off the upset, racing the nine furlongs in 1:49.22 seconds.
Royal Delta finished one length clear of It's Tricky, who flattened out just a bit in the homestretch. Tiz Miz Sue, Brushed by a Star, and R Gypsy Gold completed the order of finish. The winner is trained by Todd Pletcher.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Love and Pride got off to a good start and found herself in second place early on, tracking a moderate pace of :23.16 and :47.69 set by Brushed by a Star. Royal Delta was racing in third on the outside, followed by It's Tricky, who stumbled very badly at the start and found herself off-the-pace rather than on the lead. Tiz Miz Sue and R Gypsy Gold were content to trail the field.
The positions remained unchanged down the backstretch, but rounding the final turn, Love and Pride moved up to take over the lead while Royal Delta loomed a serious threat on the far outside. Then, along the rail, It's Tricky found racing room and shot through to contend for the lead as the field turned for home.
It appeared as though the expected battle between It's Tricky and Royal Delta was about to materialize, but Love and Pride spurted away from them at the top of the stretch and appeared to be on her way to a decisive victory. Royal Delta rallied well inside the final eighth of a mile to make it close, but Love and Pride had enough left to pull off the upset, racing the nine furlongs in 1:49.22 seconds.
Royal Delta finished one length clear of It's Tricky, who flattened out just a bit in the homestretch. Tiz Miz Sue, Brushed by a Star, and R Gypsy Gold completed the order of finish. The winner is trained by Todd Pletcher.
-Keelerman
BREEDERS' CUP COUNTDOWN -- August 26th, 2012
Yesterday was a good day of racing, with the Travers Stakes (gr. I) headlining a terrific Saratoga card that included three other graded stakes races, but Sunday promises to be even better. Three graded stakes events are scheduled to be run at Del Mar, including the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic (gr. I), which has drawn a truly spectacular field featuring seven grade or group I winners. Plus, at Saratoga, two of the best fillies in the country are set to face off in the $600,000 Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I), a race that could go a long way toward settling the Eclipse awards at the end of the year. Let's start handicapping!
TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I)
10 furlongs on the Del Mar Polytrack
#1 Rail Trip: This seven-year-old gelding won a number of graded stakes races in 2009 and 2010 for trainer Ron Ellis, including the 2009 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), but went off-form after being shipped to New York and transferred to the barn of Rick Dutrow. After going winless in five starts, he was shipped back to California and returned to Ron Ellis, for whom he has slowly returned to form over the course of three starts. Last time out, he turned a pace-tracking trip into a half-length victory in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) here at Del Mar, and while he will be stretching out beyond nine furlongs for the first time in nearly two years, his class and recent workouts suggest that he could be sitting on another improved performance.
#2 Amani: This top Chilean filly won ten of eleven starts in her native country, dominating group I races by as many as twenty-five lengths and beating colts on a couple of occasions. Brought to the United States for a 2012 campaign, she made her debut for new trainer Neil Drysdale just last month in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), rallying from eight lengths behind at the eighth pole to finish third, beaten just 1 3/4 lengths. However, the 1 1/16th-miles distance of that race was almost undoubtedly too short for her, and looking over her past performances, it appears that she will relish the added distance of today's race and looms as a legitimate upset contender.
#3 Richard's Kid: He's won this race twice, in 2009 and 2010, and enters this year's renewal off of a easy victory in the Cougar II Stakes (gr. III) here at Del Mar; this will be his first start for trainer Leandro Mora, having been sold just last week to new connections, and while he was beaten fairly easily by Game On Dude last time out, the switch to Polytrack should help him turn the tables on his former stablemate. Don't count him out of the mix.
#4 Where's Sterling: Calder-shipper is coming off of consecutive victories in the Memorial Day Handicap and Mecke Stakes at that track; tough to conceive him shipping across the country and winning a million-dollar race on Polytrack, but he did run well earlier this year in the Donn Handicap (gr. I) and really isn't that far off the top contenders in terms of Beyer speed figures. Look for him to rally well in the homestretch if he takes to the Polytrack and possibility secure a piece of the superfecta.
#5 Dullahan: The lone three-year-old in this field has won only two races, but both were on Polytrack and both were grade I events. He passed on yesterday's Travers Stakes to run here instead, his connections feeling that he is at his best over synthetic surfaces than he is on dirt, which certainly seems true. He is capable of unleashing a terrific turn of foot when circumstances are ideal, and so long as the early pace is moderately quick, you can bet that Dullahan will be running hard at the finish. Can he win a race of this caliber in his first start against older horses? That remains to be seen. But I don't think he will disgrace himself.
#6 Akkadian: Huge longshot has won just three races in his career -- a maiden special weight and two allowance optional claiming races. In addition, he has failed to hit the board in four stakes attempts, none of them grade Is. He is in career-best form this year, with a victory and two seconds from three starts, but he's stepping way up in class and a win would be a shock.
#7 Jaycito: Son of Victory Gallop won the 2010 Norfolk Stakes (gr. I) as a juvenile, then went off-form and failed to find the winner's circle again until just last month, when he took an allowance optional claiming race by a length here at Del Mar. Trained by Bob Baffert, you have to respect Jaycito's chances, as he appears to be the type that would relish ten furlongs and he has been training quite well. Then again, his highest Beyer speed figure is a 93, earned last time out, and even a drastic ten-point improvement might not be enough to get him the win.
#8 Suggestive Boy: Lightly-raced Argentina-bred colt won four group I races in his native country, then was transferred to the barn of Ronald McAnally and ran second to the high-class Jeranimo in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. I). His next start yielded a sharp victory in the restricted Wickerr Stakes going one-mile on the turf here at Del Mar, and while ten furlongs on Polytrack is a vastly different type of race, one must note that he won at ten furlongs in Argentina and has been training exceptionally well over the Del Mar Polytrack. A victory would not be surprising, as he appears to have a tremendous amount of potential and McAnally has had a lot of success with these South American imports.
#9 Game On Dude: The expected race favorite is coming off of consecutive wins in the Califorian Handicap (gr. II) and Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), earning speed figures that tower over those earned by his rivals. Trained by Bob Baffert, he has been training extremely well here at Del Mar and may find himself on a lonely lead, but it is worth noting that his worst performance in many months came in last year's Pacific Classic, where he was run off his feet by Acclamation and finished a dull fourth. Perhaps it was a fluke; perhaps it signals a dislike for the Del Mar Polytrack. But regardless, he is a much better horse this year than he was last year, and is a deserving favorite to add this prestigious race to his record.
#10 Riveting Reason: This colt has only ever won a single race, that being a maiden special weight way back in November 2010. He has shown enough talent in the past to place in a trio of graded stakes races, but he hasn't cracked the trifecta in about 1 1/2 years and may go off as the longest shot in the race. However, he does possess a decent amount of tactical speed, which he used to finish a close fourth in an allowance race here at Del Mar last month. If jockey David Flores sends him earlier, he could potentially make things difficult for Game On Dude -- although it is difficult to envision him out-dueling the race favorite.
With all due respect to Game On Dude, I am going to take a shot with Amani and hope that the superfilly improves in her second start of the year. Distance, as mentioned above, should not be an issue for her, and she seemed to like the Polytrack well enough in her last start. Richard's Kid, Dullahan, and Suggestive Boy also intrigue me. But regardless of who wins, this is shaping up to be one of the best Pacific Classics in many a year, and you can bet that we will be seeing something special later tonight.
Other Races of Note
At Del Mar . . .
Race 5: There are two supporting stakes races on the Pacific Classic card, the first being the $250,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II) at seven furlongs on the Polytrack. Camp Victory will likely be favored off of his impressive victory over The Factor in last month's Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I), but Bob Baffert has a pair of runners in Coil and Capital Account that could potentially pull off an upset. Coil won the 2011 Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I) and most recently won a seven-furlong allowance race in excellent fashion, while Capital Account finished third to champion sprinter Amazombie in the Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I) and seems to be improving with every start. Mobilized, who was third in the Triple Bend, could also rally for a piece.
Race 7: The $200,000 Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. II) may have only drawn six horses, but those six are so evenly matched that it is a nearly impossible race to handicap. Jeranimo is coming off of a victory in the Shoemaker Mile (gr. I) and will likely be favored, but Obviously won a one-mile allowance race last time out in 1:32.41 seconds and possesses a rare combination of tactical speed and turn-of-foot that could make him tough to beat. Furthermore, Mr. Commons has won three graded stakes races on the turf and is a super-talented turf miler, and the six-year-old Norvsky is also in exceptional form. Expect a close finish and a brilliant final time!
At Saratoga . . .
The $600,000 Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) headlines the card, and it's drawn a terrific field that includes Royal Delta and It's Tricky. You can read my full analysis here: http://triplecrowncountdown.blogspot.com/2012/08/saratoga-stakes-analysis-august-26th.html
-Keelerman
TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I)
10 furlongs on the Del Mar Polytrack
#1 Rail Trip: This seven-year-old gelding won a number of graded stakes races in 2009 and 2010 for trainer Ron Ellis, including the 2009 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), but went off-form after being shipped to New York and transferred to the barn of Rick Dutrow. After going winless in five starts, he was shipped back to California and returned to Ron Ellis, for whom he has slowly returned to form over the course of three starts. Last time out, he turned a pace-tracking trip into a half-length victory in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) here at Del Mar, and while he will be stretching out beyond nine furlongs for the first time in nearly two years, his class and recent workouts suggest that he could be sitting on another improved performance.
#2 Amani: This top Chilean filly won ten of eleven starts in her native country, dominating group I races by as many as twenty-five lengths and beating colts on a couple of occasions. Brought to the United States for a 2012 campaign, she made her debut for new trainer Neil Drysdale just last month in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), rallying from eight lengths behind at the eighth pole to finish third, beaten just 1 3/4 lengths. However, the 1 1/16th-miles distance of that race was almost undoubtedly too short for her, and looking over her past performances, it appears that she will relish the added distance of today's race and looms as a legitimate upset contender.
#3 Richard's Kid: He's won this race twice, in 2009 and 2010, and enters this year's renewal off of a easy victory in the Cougar II Stakes (gr. III) here at Del Mar; this will be his first start for trainer Leandro Mora, having been sold just last week to new connections, and while he was beaten fairly easily by Game On Dude last time out, the switch to Polytrack should help him turn the tables on his former stablemate. Don't count him out of the mix.
#4 Where's Sterling: Calder-shipper is coming off of consecutive victories in the Memorial Day Handicap and Mecke Stakes at that track; tough to conceive him shipping across the country and winning a million-dollar race on Polytrack, but he did run well earlier this year in the Donn Handicap (gr. I) and really isn't that far off the top contenders in terms of Beyer speed figures. Look for him to rally well in the homestretch if he takes to the Polytrack and possibility secure a piece of the superfecta.
#5 Dullahan: The lone three-year-old in this field has won only two races, but both were on Polytrack and both were grade I events. He passed on yesterday's Travers Stakes to run here instead, his connections feeling that he is at his best over synthetic surfaces than he is on dirt, which certainly seems true. He is capable of unleashing a terrific turn of foot when circumstances are ideal, and so long as the early pace is moderately quick, you can bet that Dullahan will be running hard at the finish. Can he win a race of this caliber in his first start against older horses? That remains to be seen. But I don't think he will disgrace himself.
#6 Akkadian: Huge longshot has won just three races in his career -- a maiden special weight and two allowance optional claiming races. In addition, he has failed to hit the board in four stakes attempts, none of them grade Is. He is in career-best form this year, with a victory and two seconds from three starts, but he's stepping way up in class and a win would be a shock.
#7 Jaycito: Son of Victory Gallop won the 2010 Norfolk Stakes (gr. I) as a juvenile, then went off-form and failed to find the winner's circle again until just last month, when he took an allowance optional claiming race by a length here at Del Mar. Trained by Bob Baffert, you have to respect Jaycito's chances, as he appears to be the type that would relish ten furlongs and he has been training quite well. Then again, his highest Beyer speed figure is a 93, earned last time out, and even a drastic ten-point improvement might not be enough to get him the win.
#8 Suggestive Boy: Lightly-raced Argentina-bred colt won four group I races in his native country, then was transferred to the barn of Ronald McAnally and ran second to the high-class Jeranimo in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. I). His next start yielded a sharp victory in the restricted Wickerr Stakes going one-mile on the turf here at Del Mar, and while ten furlongs on Polytrack is a vastly different type of race, one must note that he won at ten furlongs in Argentina and has been training exceptionally well over the Del Mar Polytrack. A victory would not be surprising, as he appears to have a tremendous amount of potential and McAnally has had a lot of success with these South American imports.
#9 Game On Dude: The expected race favorite is coming off of consecutive wins in the Califorian Handicap (gr. II) and Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), earning speed figures that tower over those earned by his rivals. Trained by Bob Baffert, he has been training extremely well here at Del Mar and may find himself on a lonely lead, but it is worth noting that his worst performance in many months came in last year's Pacific Classic, where he was run off his feet by Acclamation and finished a dull fourth. Perhaps it was a fluke; perhaps it signals a dislike for the Del Mar Polytrack. But regardless, he is a much better horse this year than he was last year, and is a deserving favorite to add this prestigious race to his record.
#10 Riveting Reason: This colt has only ever won a single race, that being a maiden special weight way back in November 2010. He has shown enough talent in the past to place in a trio of graded stakes races, but he hasn't cracked the trifecta in about 1 1/2 years and may go off as the longest shot in the race. However, he does possess a decent amount of tactical speed, which he used to finish a close fourth in an allowance race here at Del Mar last month. If jockey David Flores sends him earlier, he could potentially make things difficult for Game On Dude -- although it is difficult to envision him out-dueling the race favorite.
With all due respect to Game On Dude, I am going to take a shot with Amani and hope that the superfilly improves in her second start of the year. Distance, as mentioned above, should not be an issue for her, and she seemed to like the Polytrack well enough in her last start. Richard's Kid, Dullahan, and Suggestive Boy also intrigue me. But regardless of who wins, this is shaping up to be one of the best Pacific Classics in many a year, and you can bet that we will be seeing something special later tonight.
Other Races of Note
At Del Mar . . .
Race 5: There are two supporting stakes races on the Pacific Classic card, the first being the $250,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II) at seven furlongs on the Polytrack. Camp Victory will likely be favored off of his impressive victory over The Factor in last month's Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I), but Bob Baffert has a pair of runners in Coil and Capital Account that could potentially pull off an upset. Coil won the 2011 Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I) and most recently won a seven-furlong allowance race in excellent fashion, while Capital Account finished third to champion sprinter Amazombie in the Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I) and seems to be improving with every start. Mobilized, who was third in the Triple Bend, could also rally for a piece.
Race 7: The $200,000 Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. II) may have only drawn six horses, but those six are so evenly matched that it is a nearly impossible race to handicap. Jeranimo is coming off of a victory in the Shoemaker Mile (gr. I) and will likely be favored, but Obviously won a one-mile allowance race last time out in 1:32.41 seconds and possesses a rare combination of tactical speed and turn-of-foot that could make him tough to beat. Furthermore, Mr. Commons has won three graded stakes races on the turf and is a super-talented turf miler, and the six-year-old Norvsky is also in exceptional form. Expect a close finish and a brilliant final time!
At Saratoga . . .
The $600,000 Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) headlines the card, and it's drawn a terrific field that includes Royal Delta and It's Tricky. You can read my full analysis here: http://triplecrowncountdown.blogspot.com/2012/08/saratoga-stakes-analysis-august-26th.html
-Keelerman
SARATOGA STAKES ANALYSIS -- August 26th, 2012
Fillies and mares are the stars of the Sunday card, with six of them scheduled to head to post for the $600,000 Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I). This year's renewal of the race will be run at nine furlongs, a furlong shorter than the ten-furlong distance that has been the race standard for years. So be sure to keep that in mind when handicapping the race.
The morning line favorite at 4-5 is Royal Delta, the Eclipse champion 3yo filly of 2011. One of the biggest triumphs of her career came here at Saratoga last year, when she won the ten-furlong Alabama Stakes (gr. I) by 5 1/2 impressive lengths over It's Tricky. Two starts later she defeated that same rival in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), stamping herself as the division champion in the process.
Royal Delta began her 2012 season with a second-place finish to Awesome Maria in the Sabin Stakes (gr. III), followed by a traffic-troubled ninth in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) against males. But she rebounded thereafter to take the Fleur de Lis Handicap (gr. II) with overwhelming ease, and backed up that effort with a gritty neck victory in the Delaware Handicap (gr. II) despite racing perhaps a bit too close to a blazing pace. She has trained sharply since then, and given her affinity for this track, you have to think that this is her race to lose.
On the other hand, her old rival It's Tricky will surely have something to say about that. During her exceptional career, It's Tricky has won three grade I and two grade II stakes event for Godolphin Racing, including the 2011 Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) over Royal Delta. But two subsequent defeats at the hands of Royal Delta have left It's Tricky with the reputation of being the second-best filly or mare in the land -- something that could potentially change later this afternoon. After all, It's Tricky has been flawless this year, winning the Top Flight and Distaff Handicaps (both grade II) before upsetting Awesome Maria in the Ogden Phipps Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont Park. True, this will be her first start in three months, and she may prefer slightly shorter distances, but her recent training has been exceptional, and her tactical speed gives her a meaningful advantage over Royal Delta. Can she upset Royal Delta? Perhaps. At the very least, she should be able to give her more famed rival everything she can handle.
The clear third choice in this race is Tiz Miz Sue, a five-year-old daughter of Tiznow that has seems to be only now reaching her peak. Third in this race last year, Tiz Miz Sue began her year by running second in a pair of listed stakes at Oaklawn Park, the won the Azeri Stakes (gr. III) and finished third in the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at that same track. She then shipped to Delaware Park, a track at which some of her best performances have come, and ran second in the Obeah Stakes (gr. III) as a prep for the Delaware Handicap. In that ten-furlong race, she was sent off at odds of 28-1 against Royal Delta, but made a bold run at the favorite and just missed winning by a neck. Some will argue that her performance was due in part to the fact that Royal Delta carried nine more pounds that day, but the weight assignments are the same for today's affair. Still, it's difficult to envision Tiz Miz Sue improving upon that effort today, for the circumstances were perfect for an upset in the Delaware Handicap, and now she must try and catch Royal Delta at a shorter distance and with a likely slower pace.
The rest of the entrants would need to show a great deal of improvement to contend for an exacta finish. Love and Pride defeated Tiz Miz Sue in the Obeah Stakes, but was fourth in the Delaware Handicap after setting a fast pace and was beaten by It's Tricky in the Top Flight Handicap earlier this year. Brushed by a Star has won three straight, including the Molly Pitcher Stakes (gr. II) last time out, but was well beaten in her only other graded stakes appearance and probably isn't quite as good as the top two. R Gypsy Gold finished an even third in the Molly Pitcher, and now takes a large step up in class for trainer Todd Pletcher.
My selection is . . . hey, there was a dead-heat in the Travers yesterday, I'll take Royal Delta and It's Tricky! Oh, all right, I won't take the easy way out. For the moment, my selection is Royal Delta, but I could easy select It's Tricky and may if the track seems to be speed-favoring. Regardless of who wins, this should be one of the most exciting races of the Saratoga meet, and perhaps even the year.
-Keelerman
The morning line favorite at 4-5 is Royal Delta, the Eclipse champion 3yo filly of 2011. One of the biggest triumphs of her career came here at Saratoga last year, when she won the ten-furlong Alabama Stakes (gr. I) by 5 1/2 impressive lengths over It's Tricky. Two starts later she defeated that same rival in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), stamping herself as the division champion in the process.
Royal Delta began her 2012 season with a second-place finish to Awesome Maria in the Sabin Stakes (gr. III), followed by a traffic-troubled ninth in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) against males. But she rebounded thereafter to take the Fleur de Lis Handicap (gr. II) with overwhelming ease, and backed up that effort with a gritty neck victory in the Delaware Handicap (gr. II) despite racing perhaps a bit too close to a blazing pace. She has trained sharply since then, and given her affinity for this track, you have to think that this is her race to lose.
On the other hand, her old rival It's Tricky will surely have something to say about that. During her exceptional career, It's Tricky has won three grade I and two grade II stakes event for Godolphin Racing, including the 2011 Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) over Royal Delta. But two subsequent defeats at the hands of Royal Delta have left It's Tricky with the reputation of being the second-best filly or mare in the land -- something that could potentially change later this afternoon. After all, It's Tricky has been flawless this year, winning the Top Flight and Distaff Handicaps (both grade II) before upsetting Awesome Maria in the Ogden Phipps Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont Park. True, this will be her first start in three months, and she may prefer slightly shorter distances, but her recent training has been exceptional, and her tactical speed gives her a meaningful advantage over Royal Delta. Can she upset Royal Delta? Perhaps. At the very least, she should be able to give her more famed rival everything she can handle.
The clear third choice in this race is Tiz Miz Sue, a five-year-old daughter of Tiznow that has seems to be only now reaching her peak. Third in this race last year, Tiz Miz Sue began her year by running second in a pair of listed stakes at Oaklawn Park, the won the Azeri Stakes (gr. III) and finished third in the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at that same track. She then shipped to Delaware Park, a track at which some of her best performances have come, and ran second in the Obeah Stakes (gr. III) as a prep for the Delaware Handicap. In that ten-furlong race, she was sent off at odds of 28-1 against Royal Delta, but made a bold run at the favorite and just missed winning by a neck. Some will argue that her performance was due in part to the fact that Royal Delta carried nine more pounds that day, but the weight assignments are the same for today's affair. Still, it's difficult to envision Tiz Miz Sue improving upon that effort today, for the circumstances were perfect for an upset in the Delaware Handicap, and now she must try and catch Royal Delta at a shorter distance and with a likely slower pace.
The rest of the entrants would need to show a great deal of improvement to contend for an exacta finish. Love and Pride defeated Tiz Miz Sue in the Obeah Stakes, but was fourth in the Delaware Handicap after setting a fast pace and was beaten by It's Tricky in the Top Flight Handicap earlier this year. Brushed by a Star has won three straight, including the Molly Pitcher Stakes (gr. II) last time out, but was well beaten in her only other graded stakes appearance and probably isn't quite as good as the top two. R Gypsy Gold finished an even third in the Molly Pitcher, and now takes a large step up in class for trainer Todd Pletcher.
My selection is . . . hey, there was a dead-heat in the Travers yesterday, I'll take Royal Delta and It's Tricky! Oh, all right, I won't take the easy way out. For the moment, my selection is Royal Delta, but I could easy select It's Tricky and may if the track seems to be speed-favoring. Regardless of who wins, this should be one of the most exciting races of the Saratoga meet, and perhaps even the year.
-Keelerman
Saturday, August 25, 2012
GOLDEN TICKET AND ALPHA DEAD-HEAT IN THE TRAVERS STAKES!
2-1 favorite Alpha and 33-1 shot Golden Ticket hit the wire simultaneously in the prestigious $1,000,000 Travers Stakes (gr. I) this afternoon at Saratoga, finishing in a dead-heat for the victory with Fast Falcon right behind them in third.
With David Cohen aboard Golden Ticket and Ramon Dominguez riding Alpha, both colts showed speed from the start, but both were beaten to the lead by Speightscity and Stealcase, who set fractions of :23.51 and :48.06 with little more than a half-length separating them. Alpha was right behind them on the outside in third, followed along the rail by Golden Ticket. Neck 'n Neck was also close, followed by Nonios, Street Life, Five Sixteen, Atigun, Liaison, and Fast Falcon.
The positions up front remained pretty much unchanged down the backstretch and around the far turn, with Speightscity continuing to lead the way through three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.62. But turning into the homestretch, Golden Ticket shot through along the inside to seize command of the race, leaving Alpha to try and wear him down. The two colts put on a spectacular show in the homestretch, with Alpha gradually narrowing the gap between them. They hit the wire together with nothing between them; only the second dead heat in the long history of the Travers Stakes. The final time was 2:02.74.
Fast Falcon rallied fast on the outside to finish third, beaten just a half-length, with Atigun a close fourth and Nonios a distant fifth. Neck 'n Neck, Stealcase, Speightscity, Liaison, Five Sixteen, and Street Life completed the order of finish.
Alpha is owned by Godolphin Racing and trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. Golden Ticket is owned by Magic City Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Kenny McPeek.
-Keelerman
With David Cohen aboard Golden Ticket and Ramon Dominguez riding Alpha, both colts showed speed from the start, but both were beaten to the lead by Speightscity and Stealcase, who set fractions of :23.51 and :48.06 with little more than a half-length separating them. Alpha was right behind them on the outside in third, followed along the rail by Golden Ticket. Neck 'n Neck was also close, followed by Nonios, Street Life, Five Sixteen, Atigun, Liaison, and Fast Falcon.
The positions up front remained pretty much unchanged down the backstretch and around the far turn, with Speightscity continuing to lead the way through three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.62. But turning into the homestretch, Golden Ticket shot through along the inside to seize command of the race, leaving Alpha to try and wear him down. The two colts put on a spectacular show in the homestretch, with Alpha gradually narrowing the gap between them. They hit the wire together with nothing between them; only the second dead heat in the long history of the Travers Stakes. The final time was 2:02.74.
Fast Falcon rallied fast on the outside to finish third, beaten just a half-length, with Atigun a close fourth and Nonios a distant fifth. Neck 'n Neck, Stealcase, Speightscity, Liaison, Five Sixteen, and Street Life completed the order of finish.
Alpha is owned by Godolphin Racing and trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. Golden Ticket is owned by Magic City Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Kenny McPeek.
-Keelerman
WILLY BEAMIN WINS THE KING'S BISHOP STAKES!
Willy Beamin, who won the Albany Stakes at Saratoga on Wednesday, returned on short rest to pull an 11-1 upset in the $500,000 King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday afternoon at Saratoga, rallying past Fort Loudon to secure a half-length victory in the biggest race of his career.
Ridden to victory by Alan Garcia, Willy Beamin was content to settle off of the early pace set by Trinniberg and Doctor Chit, who rattled off moderate fractions :22.28 and :45.13 seconds with about a length separating them. Currency Swap, Gun Boat, and Unbridled's Note were also up close, with Fort Loudon, Willy Beamin, Laurie's Rocket, Ever So Lucky, and Spin Out comprising the group at the back of the track.
Trinniberg and Doctor Chit continued to lead the way around the turn, but Fort Loudon and Unbridled's Note were moving as a pair of the outside, and in the homestretch, those two took over the lead from the front-runners. Currency Swap had lodged a bid along the rail to reach contention, but was flattening out. So it appeared as though Fort Loudon and Unbridled's Note would duel to the wire. But then, on the far outside, Willy Beamin began his rally; a rally which carried him to a convincing half-length victory in the good time of 1:22.02 seconds.
Fort Loudon edged out Unbridled's Note for second, while Doctor Chit, Laurie's Rocket, Currency Swap, Ever So Lucky, Spin Out, Trinniberg, and Gun Boat completed the order of finish. The winner is trained by Rick Dutrow, Jr.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Alan Garcia, Willy Beamin was content to settle off of the early pace set by Trinniberg and Doctor Chit, who rattled off moderate fractions :22.28 and :45.13 seconds with about a length separating them. Currency Swap, Gun Boat, and Unbridled's Note were also up close, with Fort Loudon, Willy Beamin, Laurie's Rocket, Ever So Lucky, and Spin Out comprising the group at the back of the track.
Trinniberg and Doctor Chit continued to lead the way around the turn, but Fort Loudon and Unbridled's Note were moving as a pair of the outside, and in the homestretch, those two took over the lead from the front-runners. Currency Swap had lodged a bid along the rail to reach contention, but was flattening out. So it appeared as though Fort Loudon and Unbridled's Note would duel to the wire. But then, on the far outside, Willy Beamin began his rally; a rally which carried him to a convincing half-length victory in the good time of 1:22.02 seconds.
Fort Loudon edged out Unbridled's Note for second, while Doctor Chit, Laurie's Rocket, Currency Swap, Ever So Lucky, Spin Out, Trinniberg, and Gun Boat completed the order of finish. The winner is trained by Rick Dutrow, Jr.
-Keelerman
CONTESTED WINS THE TEST STAKES!
Despite getting off to a poor start, heavily favored Contested was able to wear down Gypsy Robin in the Saratoga homestretch to win the $500,000 Test Stakes (gr. I) this afternoon in impressive fashion.
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Contested was very slow into stride and was beaten to the lead by Ullapool and Gypsy Robin, with Ullapool setting blazing fractions of :21 2/5 and :44 flat while leading Gypsy Robin by two lengths. There was another gap of three lengths back to Contested, with Well Kept and Beautiful But Blue next in line. Book Review, the second choice, was last of ten early on.
Rounding the final turn, Gypsy Robin moved up on the outside of Ullapool to challenge for the lead, and the front-runner quickly gave way. But Gypsy Robin's lead was short-lived, as Contested was rallying into contention on the far outside. Despite the change in running style, Contested was able to overcome the adversity and wear down Gypsy Robin inside the eighth pole to win going away by about two or three lengths. The final time was 1:22.47 seconds.
Gypsy Robin held well to finish second, while Beautiful But Blue and Well Kept rounded out the superfecta. Book Review failed to rally. The winner is owned by Natalie Baffert and trained by Bob Baffert.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Contested was very slow into stride and was beaten to the lead by Ullapool and Gypsy Robin, with Ullapool setting blazing fractions of :21 2/5 and :44 flat while leading Gypsy Robin by two lengths. There was another gap of three lengths back to Contested, with Well Kept and Beautiful But Blue next in line. Book Review, the second choice, was last of ten early on.
Rounding the final turn, Gypsy Robin moved up on the outside of Ullapool to challenge for the lead, and the front-runner quickly gave way. But Gypsy Robin's lead was short-lived, as Contested was rallying into contention on the far outside. Despite the change in running style, Contested was able to overcome the adversity and wear down Gypsy Robin inside the eighth pole to win going away by about two or three lengths. The final time was 1:22.47 seconds.
Gypsy Robin held well to finish second, while Beautiful But Blue and Well Kept rounded out the superfecta. Book Review failed to rally. The winner is owned by Natalie Baffert and trained by Bob Baffert.
-Keelerman
ZAGORA WINS THE BALLSTON SPA STAKES!
Favored Zagora rallied brilliantly from off-the-pace to score a convincing victory in the $250,000 Ballston Spa Stakes (gr. II) this afternoon at Saratoga, stopping the clock in a spectacular 1:39.07 for 1 1/16th miles on the turf.
Ridden to victory by Ramon Dominguez, Zagora was content to settle off of the early pace set by Summer Soiree, who out-sprinted Tapitsfly to secure the early lead. Mykindofladyfriend and Thundering Emilia were also up close, with Zagora, Heavenly Landing, Hungry Island, and Ruthenia at the rear of the field.
Summer Soiree continued her front-running gambit down the backstretch and around the far turn, running three-quarters of a mile in an eye-catching 1:09.44 seconds. It appeared as though she might be able to take the field all the way on the front end, but entering the homestretch, Zagora unleashed a terrific rally that carried her right on past Summer Soiree and into the winner's circle for the fourth time this year.
Hungry Island put in a good run to finish second, while Summer Soiree and Ruthenia rounded out the superfecta. The winner is trained by Chad Brown.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Ramon Dominguez, Zagora was content to settle off of the early pace set by Summer Soiree, who out-sprinted Tapitsfly to secure the early lead. Mykindofladyfriend and Thundering Emilia were also up close, with Zagora, Heavenly Landing, Hungry Island, and Ruthenia at the rear of the field.
Summer Soiree continued her front-running gambit down the backstretch and around the far turn, running three-quarters of a mile in an eye-catching 1:09.44 seconds. It appeared as though she might be able to take the field all the way on the front end, but entering the homestretch, Zagora unleashed a terrific rally that carried her right on past Summer Soiree and into the winner's circle for the fourth time this year.
Hungry Island put in a good run to finish second, while Summer Soiree and Ruthenia rounded out the superfecta. The winner is trained by Chad Brown.
-Keelerman
SARATOGA STAKES ANALYSIS -- August 25th, 2012
The Saratoga meet may be nearing a conclusion, with only nine days of racing remaining, but there are still plenty of terrific graded stakes races left to be run. Four of them are to be held later this afternoon, led by the $1,000,000 Travers Stakes (gr. I) for three-year-olds, traditionally the biggest race of the meet. But the other three races are no slouches themselves, with the King's Bishop and Test Stakes (both grade I), as well as the Ballston Spa Stakes (gr. II), providing a spectacular lead-up to the feature race.
We shall begin today's analysis with the TRAVERS STAKES, which has drawn a wide-open field of eleven, most unproven at the ten-furlong distance of the race. The morning line favorite at 5-2 is Alpha, a son of Bernardini, who sired last year's Travers winner Stay Thirsty. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Alpha has been a nice horse from day one, breaking his maiden first-time out by six lengths and finishing second to Union Rags in the Champagne Stakes (gr. I) in his debut against winners. Overall, he is 2-for-2 here at Saratoga, most recently winning the prestigious Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) in gate-to-wire fashion. And given his pedigree, he should have no issues with the distance of today's race.
However, there are a couple of things that concern me. First off, his Jim Dandy win was probably exaggerated to some extent by the sloppy track and the slow pace. Furthermore, from a Beyer speed figure perspective, Alpha is simply not as fast as some of his rivals. A career-best performance this afternoon could remedy that, but it's also worth noting that Alpha has gone to pieces mentally on the two occasions where he was faced with a large crowd -- at the 2011 Breeders' Cup, and at this year's Kentucky Derby. His dull performances reflected that he had apparently expended his energy getting upset over the crowd. Perhaps it won't affect him today, but it might be wise to take a good look at him in the post parade and see how he is handling the Travers day crowd before picking him to win.
Nonios and Neck 'n Neck loom as the most likely upsetters if Alpha leaves his race in the paddock. The first-mentioned colt is lightly raced, having made only six starts, but the Jerry Hollendorfer-trainee is coming off of a terrific runner-up effort to Paynter in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I), in which he made a bold, and possibly premature, run along the rail before getting left behind by the winner. However, Nonios did stay on strongly in the homestretch after switching to the outside, finishing only 3 3/4 lengths behind Paynter while 4 1/2 lengths clear of the rest of the field. This performance, coupled with his overall record and jockey switch to John Velazquez, makes him a serious contender for the victory, even though he will have to overcome starting from post ten.
Neck 'n Neck is also intriguing. The son of Flower Alley disappointed in the spring Derby preps, failing to hit the board in races like the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby, but has really improved a great deal during the ensuing months. The change began at Churchill Downs, where he won an allowance race by 6 1/2 lengths before dominating the Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III) by 7 1/4, defeating the likes of Stealcase, who returned to finish third in the Haskell, and Macho Macho, who recently won the West Virginia Derby (gr. III) over Hansen. This record made him one of the favorites in the Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II), where he tracked Alpha through slow fractions, made a bold run at him, and was understandably turned back. A return to a fast track should help his chances, as should the projected faster pace of today's race.
Aside from those three, things get a bit trickier to interpret. Street Life is coming off of a victory in the restricted Curlin Stakes here at Saratoga, but that was over a sloppy track, and his late-run was partly an illusion created by the fact that all of the other runners were tiring. On the other hand, he didn't have the greatest of trips that day, being forced to rally terribly wide in the homestretch, and a better trip could help his chances. And being a son of 2007 Travers winner Street Sense, he shouldn't mind the distance.
Five Sixteen is also coming out of the Curlin Stakes, where he finished a decent second after tracking the pace and cutting the corner in brilliant fashion. Nevertheless, he was unable to parlay this terrific trip into a victory, and he was really no match for Street Life. Furthermore, his best previous effort was a fifth in the Belmont Stakes, so while this is obviously a nice colt, he's probably in a bit deep today.
Liaison, Atigun, and Fast Falcon are all coming out of the Jim Dandy Stakes, in which they competed with varying degrees of success. Liaison ran well from off-the-pace to finish third, an effort that is even more impressive when one takes into account the slow pace that Alpha had set. Previously, he had been beaten a combined total of half a length by Nonios in a pair of graded stakes races at Hollywood Park, so the class is clearly there, but he doesn't seem to like dirt as well as the Hollywood Custion Track, and being a son of Indian Charlie, he may not care for this distance either. Nevertheless, you can't toss a Baffert-trainee from a big race, and top jockey Rafael Bejarano will be aboard, so at the very least, a good effort is a distinct possibility. Atigun caught eyes when he finished third at 20-1 in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and was thus well-bet in the Jim Dandy Stakes, but after being reserved off of the slow pace, he failed to mount any rally and finished sixth. The added distance of today's race, the projected faster pace, his bullet half-mile breeze on the 19th, and the jockey switch to Mike Smith are all positives signals that point to an improved performance, so don't count him out of contention. Fast Falcon finished a dull seventh in the Jim Dandy after rating off the pace, and while he is certainly eligible to improve while returning to a fast track, even a career-best effort might not be quite enough to get him the victory.
Stealcase has difficult form to interpret. After disappointing in the Gotham and Spiral Stakes during the spring, he stepped up to finish a strong third in the Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) while just a neck behind Paynter. He then won an allowance race by four lengths, finished second to Neck 'n Neck in the Matt Winn Stakes, and third in the Haskell Invitational after a poor start. He would have to improve significantly to contend for the win, but perhaps the added distance and a cleaner break could help him do just that.
The longest shots in this spot are Golden Ticket and Speightscity. Golden Ticket finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) earlier this year, but has not run since being beaten a neck by Skyring in an allowance race at Churchill Downs on May 5th. You can't knock his recent workouts, but he has never recorded a Beyer speed figure over 90 and probably isn't quite good enough to contend here. Speightscity is in a similar boat, only more so. He has been training exceptionally well, but hasn't run since finishing second in the Withers Stakes (gr. III) behind Alpha back in February. The plan is to send him to the lead and see how far he can go. I wouldn't be surprised if he takes them a long way, but it's difficult to see him winning a race of such caliber off of such a lengthy layoff.
My selection is Nonios, for the reasons I outlined above. I also greatly respect the chances of Neck 'n Neck, and feel that Atigun, Liaison, and Stealcase all have excellent chances as well. I will wait until the post parade before finalizing my opinions of Alpha.
Let us now take a moment to discuss the KING'S BISHOP STAKES (gr. I). The two legitimate favorites are Currency Swap, who won the Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) here at Saratoga last fall and the Amsterdam Stakes (gr. III) last time out, and Trinniberg, the runner-up in the Hopeful and subsequent winner of the Swale Stakes (gr. III), Bay Shore Stakes (gr. III), and Woody Stephens Stakes (gr. II), defeating Currency Swap in the latter race. Currency Swap probably has the advantage since this is his favorite track, but Trinniberg has drawn an outside post position, and should be able to adapt to whatever pace scenario arises. Other contenders are Fort Loudon, a Calder-specialist that beat Trinniberg in the Carry Back Stakes (gr. III) before finishing fifth in the Amsterdam Stakes (gr. III); Doctor Chit, runner-up in the Amsterdam for trainer Todd Pletcher; Willy Beamin, who has won five straight including the Albany Stakes on Wednesday; Ever So Lucky, third in the Curlin Stakes last month; and Gun Boat, who finished sixth in the Amsterdam for trainer Bob Baffert after stumbling terribly at the start. My selection: Currency Swap, with a great deal of respect for Ever So Lucky.
The TEST STAKES (gr. I) -- the filly's equivalent of the King's Bishop -- figures to be a battle between Acorn Stakes (gr. I) winner Contested and recent allowance winner Book Review. Contested will likely be favored, even though she disappointed last time out in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I), thanks to her two stakes wins and her spectacular recent training. Furthermore, her outside post should enable her to secure a good trip. Book Review has been in excellent form as of late, placing second to the exceptional two-time grade I winner Questing in an allowance race before winning a similar event in decisive fashion. Aubby K, who finished third in the Acorn, and Gypsy Robin, a three-time stakes winner coming off of a disappointing effort in the Victory Ride Stakes (gr. III), could also contend. My selection: Contested
The last stakes on the card is the BALLSTON SPA STAKES (gr. II), a 1 1/16th-miles turf race in which eight fillies and mares are scheduled to head to post. There are plenty of intriguing contenders, with grade I winners Zagora, Tapitsfly, and Summer Soiree headlining the field. Zagora will probably head to post as the favorite thanks to her strong overall record, but Tapitsfly holds a tactical advantage thanks to her early speed and could prove very difficult to catch. Summer Soiree had a terrific season last year, winning the Del Mar Oaks (gr. I), Boiling Springs Stakes (gr. III), and Bourbonette Stakes (gr. III) in addition to placing second in the Matriarch Stakes (gr. I), but has not run since last November and may need to get a race or two under her belt before returning to peak form. Hungry Island and Heavenly Landing also merit respect, but may not be quite as good as the top three. My selection: Tapitsfly
-Keelerman
We shall begin today's analysis with the TRAVERS STAKES, which has drawn a wide-open field of eleven, most unproven at the ten-furlong distance of the race. The morning line favorite at 5-2 is Alpha, a son of Bernardini, who sired last year's Travers winner Stay Thirsty. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Alpha has been a nice horse from day one, breaking his maiden first-time out by six lengths and finishing second to Union Rags in the Champagne Stakes (gr. I) in his debut against winners. Overall, he is 2-for-2 here at Saratoga, most recently winning the prestigious Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) in gate-to-wire fashion. And given his pedigree, he should have no issues with the distance of today's race.
However, there are a couple of things that concern me. First off, his Jim Dandy win was probably exaggerated to some extent by the sloppy track and the slow pace. Furthermore, from a Beyer speed figure perspective, Alpha is simply not as fast as some of his rivals. A career-best performance this afternoon could remedy that, but it's also worth noting that Alpha has gone to pieces mentally on the two occasions where he was faced with a large crowd -- at the 2011 Breeders' Cup, and at this year's Kentucky Derby. His dull performances reflected that he had apparently expended his energy getting upset over the crowd. Perhaps it won't affect him today, but it might be wise to take a good look at him in the post parade and see how he is handling the Travers day crowd before picking him to win.
Nonios and Neck 'n Neck loom as the most likely upsetters if Alpha leaves his race in the paddock. The first-mentioned colt is lightly raced, having made only six starts, but the Jerry Hollendorfer-trainee is coming off of a terrific runner-up effort to Paynter in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I), in which he made a bold, and possibly premature, run along the rail before getting left behind by the winner. However, Nonios did stay on strongly in the homestretch after switching to the outside, finishing only 3 3/4 lengths behind Paynter while 4 1/2 lengths clear of the rest of the field. This performance, coupled with his overall record and jockey switch to John Velazquez, makes him a serious contender for the victory, even though he will have to overcome starting from post ten.
Neck 'n Neck is also intriguing. The son of Flower Alley disappointed in the spring Derby preps, failing to hit the board in races like the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby, but has really improved a great deal during the ensuing months. The change began at Churchill Downs, where he won an allowance race by 6 1/2 lengths before dominating the Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III) by 7 1/4, defeating the likes of Stealcase, who returned to finish third in the Haskell, and Macho Macho, who recently won the West Virginia Derby (gr. III) over Hansen. This record made him one of the favorites in the Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II), where he tracked Alpha through slow fractions, made a bold run at him, and was understandably turned back. A return to a fast track should help his chances, as should the projected faster pace of today's race.
Aside from those three, things get a bit trickier to interpret. Street Life is coming off of a victory in the restricted Curlin Stakes here at Saratoga, but that was over a sloppy track, and his late-run was partly an illusion created by the fact that all of the other runners were tiring. On the other hand, he didn't have the greatest of trips that day, being forced to rally terribly wide in the homestretch, and a better trip could help his chances. And being a son of 2007 Travers winner Street Sense, he shouldn't mind the distance.
Five Sixteen is also coming out of the Curlin Stakes, where he finished a decent second after tracking the pace and cutting the corner in brilliant fashion. Nevertheless, he was unable to parlay this terrific trip into a victory, and he was really no match for Street Life. Furthermore, his best previous effort was a fifth in the Belmont Stakes, so while this is obviously a nice colt, he's probably in a bit deep today.
Liaison, Atigun, and Fast Falcon are all coming out of the Jim Dandy Stakes, in which they competed with varying degrees of success. Liaison ran well from off-the-pace to finish third, an effort that is even more impressive when one takes into account the slow pace that Alpha had set. Previously, he had been beaten a combined total of half a length by Nonios in a pair of graded stakes races at Hollywood Park, so the class is clearly there, but he doesn't seem to like dirt as well as the Hollywood Custion Track, and being a son of Indian Charlie, he may not care for this distance either. Nevertheless, you can't toss a Baffert-trainee from a big race, and top jockey Rafael Bejarano will be aboard, so at the very least, a good effort is a distinct possibility. Atigun caught eyes when he finished third at 20-1 in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and was thus well-bet in the Jim Dandy Stakes, but after being reserved off of the slow pace, he failed to mount any rally and finished sixth. The added distance of today's race, the projected faster pace, his bullet half-mile breeze on the 19th, and the jockey switch to Mike Smith are all positives signals that point to an improved performance, so don't count him out of contention. Fast Falcon finished a dull seventh in the Jim Dandy after rating off the pace, and while he is certainly eligible to improve while returning to a fast track, even a career-best effort might not be quite enough to get him the victory.
Stealcase has difficult form to interpret. After disappointing in the Gotham and Spiral Stakes during the spring, he stepped up to finish a strong third in the Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) while just a neck behind Paynter. He then won an allowance race by four lengths, finished second to Neck 'n Neck in the Matt Winn Stakes, and third in the Haskell Invitational after a poor start. He would have to improve significantly to contend for the win, but perhaps the added distance and a cleaner break could help him do just that.
The longest shots in this spot are Golden Ticket and Speightscity. Golden Ticket finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) earlier this year, but has not run since being beaten a neck by Skyring in an allowance race at Churchill Downs on May 5th. You can't knock his recent workouts, but he has never recorded a Beyer speed figure over 90 and probably isn't quite good enough to contend here. Speightscity is in a similar boat, only more so. He has been training exceptionally well, but hasn't run since finishing second in the Withers Stakes (gr. III) behind Alpha back in February. The plan is to send him to the lead and see how far he can go. I wouldn't be surprised if he takes them a long way, but it's difficult to see him winning a race of such caliber off of such a lengthy layoff.
My selection is Nonios, for the reasons I outlined above. I also greatly respect the chances of Neck 'n Neck, and feel that Atigun, Liaison, and Stealcase all have excellent chances as well. I will wait until the post parade before finalizing my opinions of Alpha.
Let us now take a moment to discuss the KING'S BISHOP STAKES (gr. I). The two legitimate favorites are Currency Swap, who won the Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) here at Saratoga last fall and the Amsterdam Stakes (gr. III) last time out, and Trinniberg, the runner-up in the Hopeful and subsequent winner of the Swale Stakes (gr. III), Bay Shore Stakes (gr. III), and Woody Stephens Stakes (gr. II), defeating Currency Swap in the latter race. Currency Swap probably has the advantage since this is his favorite track, but Trinniberg has drawn an outside post position, and should be able to adapt to whatever pace scenario arises. Other contenders are Fort Loudon, a Calder-specialist that beat Trinniberg in the Carry Back Stakes (gr. III) before finishing fifth in the Amsterdam Stakes (gr. III); Doctor Chit, runner-up in the Amsterdam for trainer Todd Pletcher; Willy Beamin, who has won five straight including the Albany Stakes on Wednesday; Ever So Lucky, third in the Curlin Stakes last month; and Gun Boat, who finished sixth in the Amsterdam for trainer Bob Baffert after stumbling terribly at the start. My selection: Currency Swap, with a great deal of respect for Ever So Lucky.
The TEST STAKES (gr. I) -- the filly's equivalent of the King's Bishop -- figures to be a battle between Acorn Stakes (gr. I) winner Contested and recent allowance winner Book Review. Contested will likely be favored, even though she disappointed last time out in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I), thanks to her two stakes wins and her spectacular recent training. Furthermore, her outside post should enable her to secure a good trip. Book Review has been in excellent form as of late, placing second to the exceptional two-time grade I winner Questing in an allowance race before winning a similar event in decisive fashion. Aubby K, who finished third in the Acorn, and Gypsy Robin, a three-time stakes winner coming off of a disappointing effort in the Victory Ride Stakes (gr. III), could also contend. My selection: Contested
The last stakes on the card is the BALLSTON SPA STAKES (gr. II), a 1 1/16th-miles turf race in which eight fillies and mares are scheduled to head to post. There are plenty of intriguing contenders, with grade I winners Zagora, Tapitsfly, and Summer Soiree headlining the field. Zagora will probably head to post as the favorite thanks to her strong overall record, but Tapitsfly holds a tactical advantage thanks to her early speed and could prove very difficult to catch. Summer Soiree had a terrific season last year, winning the Del Mar Oaks (gr. I), Boiling Springs Stakes (gr. III), and Bourbonette Stakes (gr. III) in addition to placing second in the Matriarch Stakes (gr. I), but has not run since last November and may need to get a race or two under her belt before returning to peak form. Hungry Island and Heavenly Landing also merit respect, but may not be quite as good as the top three. My selection: Tapitsfly
-Keelerman
Friday, August 24, 2012
SARATOGA STAKES ANALYSIS -- August 24th, 2012
Friday's card is headlined by the $500,000 Ballerina Stakes (gr. I), a prestigious seven-furlong sprint in which six fillies and mares are scheduled to head to post.
The morning line favorite, following the expected scratch of It's Tricky, is Turbulent Descent. The daughter of Congrats was spectacular as a juvenile and for the first eight months of her three-year-old season, winning such major races as the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I), Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I), and Test Stakes (gr. I), the latter victory coming here at Saratoga over the same distance as today's race. But she went off form shortly thereafter, finishing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I) and sixth in the La Brea Stakes (gr. I). Given a break by trainer Mike Puype, she returned in June to win the Desert Stormer Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park over a tough field that included Izzy Rules, Mildly Offensive, and Switch. She was then sold and transferred to the barn of Todd Pletcher, for whom she makes her debut today. Given her vast natural talent, affinity for this track, and superb recent workouts, she looms as an odds-on favorite that will be very tough to beat.
Nicole H and Derwin's Star are the most likely upsetters, with the former coming off of a pair of runner-up efforts in graded stakes company and the latter having won the Bed o' Roses Handicap (gr. III) in decisive fashion two starts back. But both are making their Saratoga debuts, and both have been a bit inconsistent in the past. Furthermore, Derwin's Star is coming off of a dismal effort routing in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (gr. II). On the other hand, both have drawn good post positions for their running styles, and if Turbulent Descent were to disappoint, either one of these fine fillies could secure the victory.
As for the rest, Island Bound merits respect off of her victory in the Winning Colors Stakes (gr. III) three starts back, but was soundly beaten by Derwin's Star in the Bed o' Roses and doesn't appear to be quite as good as the favorites. Belle of the Hall has some good efforts behind her as well, but she has been beaten by both Nicole H and Island Bound in her last two starts, and has only once cracked a 90 Beyer in twenty career starts. Lastly, All Due Respect has been in poor form this year, but has a ton of back class and could appreciate running in a sprint for the first time since 2010.
My selections are:
1 Turbulent Descent
2 Derwin's Star
3 Nicole H
4 All Due Respect
I can't really see Turbulent Descent regresses off of her exceptional 2012 debut, and while Derwin's Star should be able to make a good run at her in the homestretch, I think that Turbulent Descent will have enough left in the tank to secure victory.
-Keelerman
The morning line favorite, following the expected scratch of It's Tricky, is Turbulent Descent. The daughter of Congrats was spectacular as a juvenile and for the first eight months of her three-year-old season, winning such major races as the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I), Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I), and Test Stakes (gr. I), the latter victory coming here at Saratoga over the same distance as today's race. But she went off form shortly thereafter, finishing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I) and sixth in the La Brea Stakes (gr. I). Given a break by trainer Mike Puype, she returned in June to win the Desert Stormer Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park over a tough field that included Izzy Rules, Mildly Offensive, and Switch. She was then sold and transferred to the barn of Todd Pletcher, for whom she makes her debut today. Given her vast natural talent, affinity for this track, and superb recent workouts, she looms as an odds-on favorite that will be very tough to beat.
Nicole H and Derwin's Star are the most likely upsetters, with the former coming off of a pair of runner-up efforts in graded stakes company and the latter having won the Bed o' Roses Handicap (gr. III) in decisive fashion two starts back. But both are making their Saratoga debuts, and both have been a bit inconsistent in the past. Furthermore, Derwin's Star is coming off of a dismal effort routing in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (gr. II). On the other hand, both have drawn good post positions for their running styles, and if Turbulent Descent were to disappoint, either one of these fine fillies could secure the victory.
As for the rest, Island Bound merits respect off of her victory in the Winning Colors Stakes (gr. III) three starts back, but was soundly beaten by Derwin's Star in the Bed o' Roses and doesn't appear to be quite as good as the favorites. Belle of the Hall has some good efforts behind her as well, but she has been beaten by both Nicole H and Island Bound in her last two starts, and has only once cracked a 90 Beyer in twenty career starts. Lastly, All Due Respect has been in poor form this year, but has a ton of back class and could appreciate running in a sprint for the first time since 2010.
My selections are:
1 Turbulent Descent
2 Derwin's Star
3 Nicole H
4 All Due Respect
I can't really see Turbulent Descent regresses off of her exceptional 2012 debut, and while Derwin's Star should be able to make a good run at her in the homestretch, I think that Turbulent Descent will have enough left in the tank to secure victory.
-Keelerman
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Pat O'Brien Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $250,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II), to be run on Sunday at Del Mar. The seven-furlong sprint has drawn an exceptional field of six, including Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I) winner Camp Victory and 2011 Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Coil.
1 Bruce's Dream
2 Mobilized
3 Capital Account
4 Don Tito
5 Camp Victory
6 Coil
-Keelerman
1 Bruce's Dream
2 Mobilized
3 Capital Account
4 Don Tito
5 Camp Victory
6 Coil
-Keelerman
Del Mar Mile Handicap Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $200,000 Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. II), to be run on Sunday at Del Mar. The one-mile turf race has drawn a small but super-talented field of milers, including Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. I) Jeranimo, the ultra-consistent Mr. Commons, and the up-and-coming allowance winner Obviously.
1 Tale of a Champion
2 Calimonco
3 Mr. Commons
4 Jeranimo
5 Norvsky
6 Obviously
-Keelerman
1 Tale of a Champion
2 Calimonco
3 Mr. Commons
4 Jeranimo
5 Norvsky
6 Obviously
-Keelerman
Personal Ensign Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $600,000 Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I), to be run on Sunday at Saratoga. The prestigious nine-furlong race has drawn a small but exceptional field of six fillies and mares, led by 2011 Eclipse champion Royal Delta and three-time grade I winner It's Tricky.
1 It's Tricky
2 Brushed by a Star
3 Love and Pride
4 Royal Delta
5 R Gypsy Gold
6 Tiz Miz Sue
-Keelerman
1 It's Tricky
2 Brushed by a Star
3 Love and Pride
4 Royal Delta
5 R Gypsy Gold
6 Tiz Miz Sue
-Keelerman
Pacific Classic Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Sunday at Del Mar. The prestigious ten-furlong race has drawn an exceptional field of ten, led by Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Game On Dude, two-time Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid, Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner Dullahan, and the top Chilean filly Amani.
1 Rail Trip
2 Amani
3 Richard's Kid
4 Where's Sterling
5 Dullahan
6 Akkadian
7 Jaycito
8 Suggestive Boy
9 Game On Dude
10 Riveting Reason
-Keelerman
1 Rail Trip
2 Amani
3 Richard's Kid
4 Where's Sterling
5 Dullahan
6 Akkadian
7 Jaycito
8 Suggestive Boy
9 Game On Dude
10 Riveting Reason
-Keelerman
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Del Mar Handicap Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap (gr. II), to be run on Saturday at Del Mar. The 11-furlong turf race has drawn a large and evenly-matched field of nine, led by Sunset Handicap (gr. III) winner Dhaamer and Eddie Read Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Interaction.
1 Casino Host
2 Temple's Door
3 Worth Repeating
4 Interaction
5 Hog's Hollow
6 Brushburn
7 Dhaamer
8 Dynamic Host
9 Fire With Fire
-Keelerman
1 Casino Host
2 Temple's Door
3 Worth Repeating
4 Interaction
5 Hog's Hollow
6 Brushburn
7 Dhaamer
8 Dynamic Host
9 Fire With Fire
-Keelerman
Ballston Spa Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $250,000 Ballston Spa Stakes (gr. II), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The 1 1/16th miles turf race has drawn a very high-quality field of nine fillies and mares, including grade I winners Tapitsfly, Zagora, and Summer Soiree.
1 Heavenly Landing
2 Zagora
3 Thundering Emilia
4 Hungry Island
5 Summer Soiree
6 Tapitsfly
7 Ruthenia
8 Mykindofladyfriend
9 Acting Happy
Acting Happy will run only if rain transfers the race to the main track.
-Keelerman
1 Heavenly Landing
2 Zagora
3 Thundering Emilia
4 Hungry Island
5 Summer Soiree
6 Tapitsfly
7 Ruthenia
8 Mykindofladyfriend
9 Acting Happy
Acting Happy will run only if rain transfers the race to the main track.
-Keelerman
Test Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $500,000 Test Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The prestigious seven-furlong race has drawn a large and competitive field of ten three-year-old fillies, including Acorn Stakes (gr. I) winner Contested and the up-and-coming allowance winner Book Review.
1 Well Kept
2 Aubby K
3 Book Review
4 Yara
5 Beautiful But Blue
6 Jazzy Idea
7 Gypsy Robin
8 Contested
9 Ullapool
10 Amie's Dini
-Keelerman
1 Well Kept
2 Aubby K
3 Book Review
4 Yara
5 Beautiful But Blue
6 Jazzy Idea
7 Gypsy Robin
8 Contested
9 Ullapool
10 Amie's Dini
-Keelerman
King's Bishop Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $500,000 Foxwoods King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The prestigious seven-furlong race has drawn an exceptional field of ten three-year-old sprinters, led by 2011 Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) winner Currency Swap, Woody Stephens Stakes (gr. II) winner Trinniberg, and Carry Back Stakes (gr. III) victor Fort Loudon.
1 Willy Beamin
2 Gun Boat
3 Currency Swap
4 Fort Loudon
5 Laurie's Rocket
6 Spin Out
7 Ever So Lucky
8 Unbridled's Note
9 Trinniberg
10 Doctor Chit
-Keelerman
1 Willy Beamin
2 Gun Boat
3 Currency Swap
4 Fort Loudon
5 Laurie's Rocket
6 Spin Out
7 Ever So Lucky
8 Unbridled's Note
9 Trinniberg
10 Doctor Chit
-Keelerman
Travers Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $1,000,000 Travers Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Saratoga. The prestigious ten-furlong race has drawn an evenly-matched field of eleven three-year-olds, led by Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) winner Alpha and Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Nonios.
-Keelerman
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | M. L. Odds |
| 1 | Speightscity | 126 | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Gary Contessa | 30-1 |
| 2 | Five Sixteen | 126 | Rosie Napravnik | Dominick Schettino | 15-1 |
| 3 | Golden Ticket | 126 | David Cohen | Kenny McPeek | 20-1 |
| 4 | Stealcase | 126 | Shaun Bridgmohan | Mark Casse | 15-1 |
| 5 | Street Life | 126 | Jose Lezcano | Chad Brown | 5-1 |
| 6 | Alpha | 126 | Ramon Dominguez | Kiaran McLaughlin | 5-2 |
| 7 | Atigun | 126 | Mike Smith | Kenny McPeek | 12-1 |
| 8 | Neck 'n Neck | 126 | Leandro Goncalves | Ian Wilkes | 9-2 |
| 9 | Liaison | 126 | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert | 8-1 |
| 10 | Nonios | 126 | John Velazquez | Jerry Hollendorfer | 4-1 |
| 11 | Fast Falcon | 126 | Junior Alvarado | Nick Zito | 20-1 |
-Keelerman
FRANKEL WINS THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL!
Heavily favored Frankel brought his undefeated record to a perfect 13-for-13 with a dominating victory in the $1,124,000 Juddmonte International (Eng-I) at York on August 22nd, dominating the prestigious race by seven lengths in his first start in a race longer than one mile.
Ridden to victory by regular rider Tom Queally, Frankel got off just a step slowly in the 10-furlong, 88-yard race, and settled well off of the early pace set by Robin Hood, Bullet Train, and Windsor Palace. Group I winners St. Nicholas Abbey and Twice Over were also well behind the pacemakers, while the well-regarded Farhh -- runner-up to Frankel in the recent Sussex Stakes (Eng-I) -- was in mid-pack.
Robin Hood, Bullet Train, and Windsor Palace continued to lead the way around the turn and into the 4 1/2-furlong homestretch, but as the field approached the final quarter mile, Farrh moved up to challenge for the lead and soon claimed it. But his lead was short-lived, as Frankel and St. Nicholas Abbey were advancing in unison on the near side of the course. About two furlongs out, it appeared as though Frankel would be in for a fight. But then Queally shook the reins at him, and Frankel responded with a breathtaking burst of speed that left his rivals far, far behind. Extending his lead all the way to the finish, Frankel hit the finish line at least seven or eight lengths in front, clearly the best and clearly one of the greatest racehorses in the history of the European turf.
Farhh held off a determined bid from St. Nicholas Abbey to secure the place, while Twice Over put in a mild run to finish fourth. Bullet Train, Sri Putra, Planteur, Robin Hood, and Windsor Palace completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Juddmonte Farm and trained by Sir Henry Cecil.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by regular rider Tom Queally, Frankel got off just a step slowly in the 10-furlong, 88-yard race, and settled well off of the early pace set by Robin Hood, Bullet Train, and Windsor Palace. Group I winners St. Nicholas Abbey and Twice Over were also well behind the pacemakers, while the well-regarded Farhh -- runner-up to Frankel in the recent Sussex Stakes (Eng-I) -- was in mid-pack.
Robin Hood, Bullet Train, and Windsor Palace continued to lead the way around the turn and into the 4 1/2-furlong homestretch, but as the field approached the final quarter mile, Farrh moved up to challenge for the lead and soon claimed it. But his lead was short-lived, as Frankel and St. Nicholas Abbey were advancing in unison on the near side of the course. About two furlongs out, it appeared as though Frankel would be in for a fight. But then Queally shook the reins at him, and Frankel responded with a breathtaking burst of speed that left his rivals far, far behind. Extending his lead all the way to the finish, Frankel hit the finish line at least seven or eight lengths in front, clearly the best and clearly one of the greatest racehorses in the history of the European turf.
Farhh held off a determined bid from St. Nicholas Abbey to secure the place, while Twice Over put in a mild run to finish fourth. Bullet Train, Sri Putra, Planteur, Robin Hood, and Windsor Palace completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Juddmonte Farm and trained by Sir Henry Cecil.
-Keelerman
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: GOLDEN TICKET
Owner: Magic City Thoroughbred Partners
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC
Jockey: David Cohen
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
2nd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Golden Ticket in the past, click here.
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC
Jockey: David Cohen
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
2nd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Gone West | ||
| Speightstown | ||
| Silken Cat | ||
| Golden Ticket | ||
| Deputy Minister | ||
| Business Plan | ||
| Good Mood |
To read what I have written about Golden Ticket in the past, click here.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Juveniles at Saratoga -- August 16-17th, 2012
These two days of Saratoga racing had a little bit of everything -- impressive rallies, gate-to-wire victories, Todd Pletcher, Steve Asmussen, John Velazquez -- and there's no denying that at least a couple of these young horses have very bright futures.
August 16th
Race 3: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs for 2yos
Steven Asmussen had the favorite in Show Some Magic, runner-up to Saratoga Special Stakes (gr. II) winner Spurious Precision in a maiden special weight here at Saratoga on July 21st. Thus, Show Some Magic was sent off as the odds-on favorite in this spot, and he did not disappoint -- although the margin of victory was not as large as one might have expected. With Julien Leparoux aboard, the son of Any Given Saturday got off to an excellent start and went straight to the lead, setting fractions of :21.91 and :45.28 while dueling with Lincoln Law for the early lead. Entering the homestretch, Show Some Magic disposed of his rival, but was quickly confronted by the late-running Gombey Dancer, who made a strong run in the four-path to reach contention in early stretch. The two colts put on quite a show, with little more than a half-length separating them from the eighth pole home, but Show Some Magic never relinquished the advantage and held on to win in good fashion. The final time was a strong 1:04.05. Midnite Poppa put in a good rally from off-the-pace to finish a non-threatening third. Lincoln Law tired badly after his early exertions and trailed the field home.
Race 6: Maiden Claiming
6 furlongs for New York-bred 2yos
Stoneless was favored with Joel Rosario aboard, and after the Bruce Levine-trainee managed to get away with a slow half-mile in :47.01 seconds, there was no doubt that the son of Bustin Stones would win his debut in gate-to-wire fashion. The only question was the margin of victory and the time -- 4 3/4 lengths and 1:12.66, for the record. No Nukes tracked the winner all the way around the racetrack, but was, understandably, unable to make up any ground in the homestretch. Jerek Deter put in a good run from off-the-pace to finish third, and given the slow pace, could be one to watch in the future.
August 17th
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs for 2yo fillies
When trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez team up, you'd better watch out. Their latest winner together is Unabashed, a daughter of Elusive Quality that gave the impression of being a very fine filly indeed when winning this race. Although not particularly quick into stride, she did recover well to race in fifth position early on as Merry Meadow and Switcheroo dueled through an opening quarter in :22.06. Rounding the turn, she made her bid for the lead, shifting to the outside for racing room and accelerating in eye-catching fashion. From there, the race was hers, and she coasted home under a strong hand ride to win by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:04.08. Ruby Lips finished up with a good run from last to secure second place, but was never a threat to the winner. Merry Meadow tired badly in the homestretch but did hold on to third.
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for New York-bred 2yo fillies
Favorites have been winning many of these juvenile races, and Heading to Toga kept that standard going while winning this race as the 2.20-1 favorite. With Ramon Dominguez riding for trainer Dominick Schettino, Heading to Toga got off to a good start and blitzed through an opening quarter mile of :21.86 seconds while being tracked by Watch Your Biz. After three-eighths of a mile, Watch Your Biz retreated, leaving Heading to Toga with a sizable advantage entering the homestretch. Despite the fast pace, Heading to Toga kept on going, passing the eighth pole with a 4 1/2-length advantage before easing up across the finish line five lengths in front while stopping the clock in 1:03.54 seconds. Rosalie's Pleasure finished well to secure second by a clear margin, while A Prettydixie finished third after spending much of the race in that position. Watch Your Biz tired badly and finished last.
-Keelerman
August 16th
Race 3: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs for 2yos
Steven Asmussen had the favorite in Show Some Magic, runner-up to Saratoga Special Stakes (gr. II) winner Spurious Precision in a maiden special weight here at Saratoga on July 21st. Thus, Show Some Magic was sent off as the odds-on favorite in this spot, and he did not disappoint -- although the margin of victory was not as large as one might have expected. With Julien Leparoux aboard, the son of Any Given Saturday got off to an excellent start and went straight to the lead, setting fractions of :21.91 and :45.28 while dueling with Lincoln Law for the early lead. Entering the homestretch, Show Some Magic disposed of his rival, but was quickly confronted by the late-running Gombey Dancer, who made a strong run in the four-path to reach contention in early stretch. The two colts put on quite a show, with little more than a half-length separating them from the eighth pole home, but Show Some Magic never relinquished the advantage and held on to win in good fashion. The final time was a strong 1:04.05. Midnite Poppa put in a good rally from off-the-pace to finish a non-threatening third. Lincoln Law tired badly after his early exertions and trailed the field home.
Race 6: Maiden Claiming
6 furlongs for New York-bred 2yos
Stoneless was favored with Joel Rosario aboard, and after the Bruce Levine-trainee managed to get away with a slow half-mile in :47.01 seconds, there was no doubt that the son of Bustin Stones would win his debut in gate-to-wire fashion. The only question was the margin of victory and the time -- 4 3/4 lengths and 1:12.66, for the record. No Nukes tracked the winner all the way around the racetrack, but was, understandably, unable to make up any ground in the homestretch. Jerek Deter put in a good run from off-the-pace to finish third, and given the slow pace, could be one to watch in the future.
August 17th
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs for 2yo fillies
When trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez team up, you'd better watch out. Their latest winner together is Unabashed, a daughter of Elusive Quality that gave the impression of being a very fine filly indeed when winning this race. Although not particularly quick into stride, she did recover well to race in fifth position early on as Merry Meadow and Switcheroo dueled through an opening quarter in :22.06. Rounding the turn, she made her bid for the lead, shifting to the outside for racing room and accelerating in eye-catching fashion. From there, the race was hers, and she coasted home under a strong hand ride to win by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:04.08. Ruby Lips finished up with a good run from last to secure second place, but was never a threat to the winner. Merry Meadow tired badly in the homestretch but did hold on to third.
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight
5-1/2 furlongs on turf for New York-bred 2yo fillies
Favorites have been winning many of these juvenile races, and Heading to Toga kept that standard going while winning this race as the 2.20-1 favorite. With Ramon Dominguez riding for trainer Dominick Schettino, Heading to Toga got off to a good start and blitzed through an opening quarter mile of :21.86 seconds while being tracked by Watch Your Biz. After three-eighths of a mile, Watch Your Biz retreated, leaving Heading to Toga with a sizable advantage entering the homestretch. Despite the fast pace, Heading to Toga kept on going, passing the eighth pole with a 4 1/2-length advantage before easing up across the finish line five lengths in front while stopping the clock in 1:03.54 seconds. Rosalie's Pleasure finished well to secure second by a clear margin, while A Prettydixie finished third after spending much of the race in that position. Watch Your Biz tired badly and finished last.
-Keelerman
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: SPEIGHTSCITY
Owner: Team Stallion Racing Corp. and McConnell Racing Stable
Trainer: Gary Contessa
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC, Polo Green Stable, Piacentino Farms, LP & Shannon Potter
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Withers Stakes (gr. III)
5th Count Fleet Stakes
Age 2
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
8th Remsen Stakes (gr. II)
9th Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Claiming
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Speightscity in the past, click here.
Trainer: Gary Contessa
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC, Polo Green Stable, Piacentino Farms, LP & Shannon Potter
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Withers Stakes (gr. III)
5th Count Fleet Stakes
Age 2
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
8th Remsen Stakes (gr. II)
9th Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Claiming
PEDIGREE
| Gone West | ||
| Speightstown | ||
| Silken Cat | ||
| Speightscity | ||
| Quiet American | ||
| My American Girl | ||
| My Girl Jeannie |
To read what I have written about Speightscity in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: WILLY BEAMIN
Owner: James A. Riccio
Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
Breeder: Patricia Staskowski Purdy
Expected Travers Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 3
1st Mike Lee Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Allowance
1st Claiming
9th Allowance
Age 2
5th Restrainor Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
7th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
Breeder: Patricia Staskowski Purdy
Expected Travers Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 3
1st Mike Lee Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Allowance
1st Claiming
9th Allowance
Age 2
5th Restrainor Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
7th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| A.P. Indy | ||
| Suave | ||
| Urbane | ||
| Willy Beamin | ||
| Gold Token | ||
| Big Tease | ||
| Another Rita |
Monday, August 20, 2012
Ballerina Stakes Entries and Post Positions
Here are the entries and post positions for the $500,000 Ballerina Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Friday at Saratoga. The prestigious seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares has drawn a deep and competitive field of seven, led by three-time grade I winner It's Tricky, 2011 Test Stakes (gr. I) winner Turbulent Descent, and Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. I) runner-up Nicole H.
1 Island Bound
2 All Due Respect
3 It's Tricky
4 Belle of the Hall
5 Nicole H
6 Turbulent Descent
7 Derwin's Star
-Keelerman
1 Island Bound
2 All Due Respect
3 It's Tricky
4 Belle of the Hall
5 Nicole H
6 Turbulent Descent
7 Derwin's Star
-Keelerman
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: STREET LIFE
Owner: Magnolia Racing Stable LLC and Hidden Brook Farm
Trainer: Chad Brown
Breeder: Mueller Thoroughbred Stable, Ltd.
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
RACE RECORD
Age 3
1st Curlin Stakes
4th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II)
6th Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I)
1st Broad Brush Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
8th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Street Life in the past, click here.
Trainer: Chad Brown
Breeder: Mueller Thoroughbred Stable, Ltd.
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
RACE RECORD
Age 3
1st Curlin Stakes
4th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II)
6th Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I)
1st Broad Brush Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
8th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Street Cry | ||
| Street Sense | ||
| Bedazzle | ||
| Street Life | ||
| Grindstone | ||
| Stone Hope | ||
| Fairest |
To read what I have written about Street Life in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: STEALCASE
Owner: John C. Oxley
Trainer: Mark Casse
Breeder: Secret Whispers Partnership
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
RACE RECORD
Age 3
3rd Haskell Invitational (gr. I)
2nd Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III)
5th Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III)
6th Gotham Stakes (gr. III)
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
4th Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Stealcase in the past, click here.
Trainer: Mark Casse
Breeder: Secret Whispers Partnership
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
RACE RECORD
Age 3
3rd Haskell Invitational (gr. I)
2nd Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III)
5th Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III)
6th Gotham Stakes (gr. III)
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
4th Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Langfuhr | ||
| Lawyer Ron | ||
| Donation | ||
| Stealcase | ||
| Cat Thief | ||
| Steal the Show | ||
| Shoreline |
To read what I have written about Stealcase in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: NONIOS
Owner: Green B. Smith, Jr.
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Breeder: Hermitage Farm LLC
Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Haskell Invitational (gr. I)
2nd Swaps Stakes (gr. II)
1st Affirmed Stakes (gr. III)
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Nonios in the past, click here.
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Breeder: Hermitage Farm LLC
Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Haskell Invitational (gr. I)
2nd Swaps Stakes (gr. II)
1st Affirmed Stakes (gr. III)
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Pleasant Colony | ||
| Pleasantly Perfect | ||
| Regal State | ||
| Nonios | ||
| Touch Gold | ||
| Stylish Manner | ||
| Devil's Nell |
To read what I have written about Nonios in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: NECK 'N NECK
Owner: A. Stevens Miles, Jr.
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Breeder: A. Stevens Miles, Jr.
Jockey: Leandro Goncalves
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
1st Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III)
1st Allowance
5th Florida Derby (gr. I)
4th Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II)
5th Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 2
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
8th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Neck 'n Neck in the past, click here.
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Breeder: A. Stevens Miles, Jr.
Jockey: Leandro Goncalves
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
1st Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III)
1st Allowance
5th Florida Derby (gr. I)
4th Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II)
5th Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 2
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
8th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Distorted Humor | ||
| Flower Alley | ||
| Princess Olivia | ||
| Neck 'n Neck | ||
| Storm Boot | ||
| Bootery | ||
| Magic Way |
To read what I have written about Neck 'n Neck in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: LIAISON
Owner: Arnold Zetcher
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Breeder: William A. Carl Estate
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
RACE RECORD
Age 3
3rd Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
3rd Swaps Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Affirmed Handicap (gr. III)
6th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
6th Santa Anita Derby (gr. I)
4th San Felipe Stakes (gr. II)
8th Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II)
Age 2
1st CashCall Futurity (gr. I)
1st Real Quiet Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Liaison in the past, click here.
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Breeder: William A. Carl Estate
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
RACE RECORD
Age 3
3rd Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
3rd Swaps Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Affirmed Handicap (gr. III)
6th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
6th Santa Anita Derby (gr. I)
4th San Felipe Stakes (gr. II)
8th Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II)
Age 2
1st CashCall Futurity (gr. I)
1st Real Quiet Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| In Excess | ||
| Indian Charlie | ||
| Soviet Sojourn | ||
| Liaison | ||
| Victory Gallop | ||
| Galloping Gal | ||
| Indy Flash |
To read what I have written about Liaison in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: HANSEN
Owner: Kendall Hansen, M.D. and Skychai Racing
Trainer: Mike Maker
Breeder: Dr. Kendall Hansen
Expected Travers Jockey: Javier Castellano
RACE RECORD
Age 3
4th West Virginia Derby (gr. III)
1st Iowa Derby (gr. III)
9th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
2nd Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I)
1st Gotham Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
1st Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)
1st Bluegrass Cat Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Hansen in the past, click here.
Trainer: Mike Maker
Breeder: Dr. Kendall Hansen
Expected Travers Jockey: Javier Castellano
RACE RECORD
Age 3
4th West Virginia Derby (gr. III)
1st Iowa Derby (gr. III)
9th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)
2nd Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I)
1st Gotham Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
1st Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)
1st Bluegrass Cat Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Pulpit | ||
| Tapit | ||
| Tap Your Heels | ||
| Hansen | ||
| Sir Cat | ||
| Stormy Sunday | ||
| Thinkin'strait |
To read what I have written about Hansen in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: FIVE SIXTEEN
Owner: MeB Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Dominick A. Schettino
Breeder: Machmer Hall
Jockey: Rosie Napravnik
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Curlin Stakes
5th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
4th Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
10th Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Five Sixteen in the past, click here.
Trainer: Dominick A. Schettino
Breeder: Machmer Hall
Jockey: Rosie Napravnik
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Curlin Stakes
5th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
4th Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
3rd Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
10th Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Candy Stripes | ||
| Invasor | ||
| Quendom | ||
| Five Sixteen | ||
| Salt Lake | ||
| Third Street | ||
| Bisque Doll |
To read what I have written about Five Sixteen in the past, click here.
Travers Stakes Contender Profile: FAST FALCON
Owner: Richard C. Pell
Trainer: Nick Zito
Breeder: B. P. Walden Jr. & H. G. King III
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
RACE RECORD
Age 3
7th Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Dwyer Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Easy Goer Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
7th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Fast Falcon in the past, click here.
Trainer: Nick Zito
Breeder: B. P. Walden Jr. & H. G. King III
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
RACE RECORD
Age 3
7th Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Dwyer Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Easy Goer Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
7th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Deputy Minister | ||
| Awesome Again | ||
| Primal Force | ||
| Fast Falcon | ||
| Pleasant Tap | ||
| My Chickadee | ||
| Slew City Slicker |
To read what I have written about Fast Falcon in the past, click here.
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