Grade II Sanford Tops Day 2 at the Spa

Saratoga Race Course

Hot Dixie Chick pulled away in the stretch to dominate a deep field in opening day's Schuylerville Stakes and establish herself as one of the leaders in the two year old filly division. In contrast a very average group of two year old colts will contest today's Grade II Sanford Stakes at 6 furlongs.

Here are some Horses to Watch in the Sanford:

Backtalk
Son of Smarty Jones is 2-2 and closed nicely to win Churchill's top juvenile stakes, the Bashford Manor, and his maiden win came on an off track. Beyer number earned in the Bashford Manor was not exceptional but the trainer/jockey combo is 34% in 2009. Miguel Mena rides for Tom Amoss.

Bulls and Bears
Broke his maiden first out at Belmont when he got up late between horses and that Beyer number is highest in today's field. He certainly fits well with these and will likely be attracting a lot of money in the wagering. The concern is that the barn wins with 26% of first timers but that drops to 9% for the second start. Top rider stays aboard as Alan Garcia rides for Richard Violette.

Enumerate
Broke his maiden by five in first asking after running away from a duel on the front end at Churchill and there is not a lot of speed in here today. First race Beyer was 81 and he has posted two solid works since arriving at the Spa. Trainer/jockey combo is 44% with an ROI of $4.21 in 18 attempts in 2009. Edgar Prado rides for Steve Asmussen.

Nacho Friend
Won maiden by 6 over a sloppy track at Monmouth Park in first start but the 68 Beyer was nothing to write home about. Joe Bravo makes the trip to the Spa today to stay aboard and the Kelly Breen barn wins 35% of the time second out. This is a step up in class but you should respect.

Interactif
Held on to break maiden by a head in his first attempt at Monmouth Park last out but the 63 Beyer leaves something to be desired. Posted a bullet work here on July 24 and Todd Pletcher puts his go to rider, Johnny Velasquez, aboard for this. Trainer/jockey combo have won this race 3 of the last 5 years.