Saratoga Race Course
The main track and both turf courses are rated as Good with Race 2 off the turf for Saturday's races at Saratoga after the monsoon that washed all races off the turf yesterday, including the Grade II Lake George. After the resulting scratches in the race, Be Fair outdualed Molly's Follies in a thrilling finish in the 4 horse field in the Lake George.
Today at the Spa sees a dual feature in the $500,000 Grade I Diana for fillies & Mares four years old and up on the Mellon turf course and the $500,000 Grade II Jim Dandy for three year olds on the main track , both at a mile and an eighth. The Jim Dandy is the local prep race for the Travers.
Horses to Watchfor the Diana
Forever Together
Rutherienne
Criticism
Horses to Watch for the Jim Dandy
Charitable Man
Saratoga Sinner
Warrier's Reward
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Mine That Bird Returns in West Virginia Derby
Mountaineer Park
A stellar card full of several non graded stakes is the under card for the Grade II $750,000 West Virginia Derby on Saturday at Mountaineer Park. This race marks the return of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird who will be ridden in this race by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Mine That Bird is listed as the 3/5 favorite in the morning line.
Big Drama who ran 5th in the Preakness but is 6 for 9 lifetime is listed at 8/5 in the morning line and his blazing speed and only speed in the race of 4 betting interests and 5 horses will be a huge challenge to the strong closing kick of the Derby winner. Eiabar Coa has the return mount on Big Drama.
A stellar card full of several non graded stakes is the under card for the Grade II $750,000 West Virginia Derby on Saturday at Mountaineer Park. This race marks the return of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird who will be ridden in this race by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Mine That Bird is listed as the 3/5 favorite in the morning line.
Big Drama who ran 5th in the Preakness but is 6 for 9 lifetime is listed at 8/5 in the morning line and his blazing speed and only speed in the race of 4 betting interests and 5 horses will be a huge challenge to the strong closing kick of the Derby winner. Eiabar Coa has the return mount on Big Drama.
San Clemente Is Saturday Feature At Del Mar
Del Mar, CA
A full field of ten will go to the post for the featured Grade II San Clemente Handicap on Saturday at Del Mar. The San Clemente is carded for three year old fillies at a mile over the Jimmy Durante turf course.
The Jeff Bond trained Strawberry Tart is going for her third win in a row and was 2 for 2 on the turf at the recent Hollywood Park meet. She will be stepping up in class for this.
The Doug O'Niel trained Acting Lady is likely to also be significantly backed in here. She has only one win in seven starts this year but will be making a significant class drop against this competition.
The Bob Baffert trained Internally Flawless is in off a sub par race in her last but is reuniting with Garret Gomez for this race with whom she has had recent success.
All three should benefit from a super speed dual between Oilgonewile and Carlsbad who is 6 for 7 lifetime but has never raced on the grass.
A full field of ten will go to the post for the featured Grade II San Clemente Handicap on Saturday at Del Mar. The San Clemente is carded for three year old fillies at a mile over the Jimmy Durante turf course.
The Jeff Bond trained Strawberry Tart is going for her third win in a row and was 2 for 2 on the turf at the recent Hollywood Park meet. She will be stepping up in class for this.
The Doug O'Niel trained Acting Lady is likely to also be significantly backed in here. She has only one win in seven starts this year but will be making a significant class drop against this competition.
The Bob Baffert trained Internally Flawless is in off a sub par race in her last but is reuniting with Garret Gomez for this race with whom she has had recent success.
All three should benefit from a super speed dual between Oilgonewile and Carlsbad who is 6 for 7 lifetime but has never raced on the grass.
Lake George Highlights Sunset Friday at Saratoga
Saratoga Race Course
The Grade II Lake George Stakes for three year old fillies on the inner turf course is the highlight of the meet's first of two Sunset Fridays at the Spa. On Sunset Friday, the first post is at 2:30 rather than the traditional 1:00.
Here are some Horses to Watch in the Lake George:
Kiawah Kat
Ran a big race in her last only to come up slightly short to rival Mary's Follies in a Grade III at Monmouth Park. However, Mary's Follies will be giving a 6 pound advantage to Kiawah Kat in here. Very positive rider change as Julian Leparoux takes the mount for Bill Mott.
Mary's Follies
Going for 3rd win in a row but this is her first start with this barn who wins 30% of the time in that scenario. Is likely the horse to beat and trainer/jockey combo win at 37% clip in 2009. Ramon Dominguez rides for Richard Dutrow.
Consequence
Winner of 1000 Guineas at Arlington in last and was moving late after having to steady at the head of the stretch in the BC Filly & Mare Turf last fall. She also broke her maiden here last summer on Saratoga's Mellon Turf Course. Will likely set the pace today. Johnny Velasquez rides for Shug McGaughey.
Keertana
Won the Grade III Regret on a course rated good at Churchill and has been in the money in all five turf starts. She is going for her 4th straight win today and has shown she can carry this weight with a win at today's weight in last. Jose Lezcano rides for Tom Proctor.
Lady Shakespeare
She has won her last two at Woodbine but did not fare well in only graded stakes try last summer. Daughter of Turf Champion Theatrical and granddaughter of super turf sire Nureyev. Jockey change a plus. Kent Desormeaux rides for Roger Atfield.
The Grade II Lake George Stakes for three year old fillies on the inner turf course is the highlight of the meet's first of two Sunset Fridays at the Spa. On Sunset Friday, the first post is at 2:30 rather than the traditional 1:00.
Here are some Horses to Watch in the Lake George:
Kiawah Kat
Ran a big race in her last only to come up slightly short to rival Mary's Follies in a Grade III at Monmouth Park. However, Mary's Follies will be giving a 6 pound advantage to Kiawah Kat in here. Very positive rider change as Julian Leparoux takes the mount for Bill Mott.
Mary's Follies
Going for 3rd win in a row but this is her first start with this barn who wins 30% of the time in that scenario. Is likely the horse to beat and trainer/jockey combo win at 37% clip in 2009. Ramon Dominguez rides for Richard Dutrow.
Consequence
Winner of 1000 Guineas at Arlington in last and was moving late after having to steady at the head of the stretch in the BC Filly & Mare Turf last fall. She also broke her maiden here last summer on Saratoga's Mellon Turf Course. Will likely set the pace today. Johnny Velasquez rides for Shug McGaughey.
Keertana
Won the Grade III Regret on a course rated good at Churchill and has been in the money in all five turf starts. She is going for her 4th straight win today and has shown she can carry this weight with a win at today's weight in last. Jose Lezcano rides for Tom Proctor.
Lady Shakespeare
She has won her last two at Woodbine but did not fare well in only graded stakes try last summer. Daughter of Turf Champion Theatrical and granddaughter of super turf sire Nureyev. Jockey change a plus. Kent Desormeaux rides for Roger Atfield.
Colonel John Tries Turf In Del Mar Feature
Del Mar, CA
Colonel John, a multiple Grade I winner on dirt, will attempt the turf for the first time in Friday's featured Wickerr Handicap at Del Mar. The Wickerr carries a purse of $85,000 and is a steep class drop for Colonel John who has been installed as the 5/2 favorite in the morning line. A concern is that trainer Eoin Hardy is just 3 for 36 with horses making their first start on the grass.
This is Colonel John's first race of 2009 and on the surface, it looks like his connections are using this much easier spot to prep for the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic than taking on the competition in Sunday's San Diego Handicap. Garret Gomez will ride.
Colonel John, a multiple Grade I winner on dirt, will attempt the turf for the first time in Friday's featured Wickerr Handicap at Del Mar. The Wickerr carries a purse of $85,000 and is a steep class drop for Colonel John who has been installed as the 5/2 favorite in the morning line. A concern is that trainer Eoin Hardy is just 3 for 36 with horses making their first start on the grass.
This is Colonel John's first race of 2009 and on the surface, it looks like his connections are using this much easier spot to prep for the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic than taking on the competition in Sunday's San Diego Handicap. Garret Gomez will ride.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Schuylerville Stakes Tops Saratoga's Opening Day
Saratoga Springs, NY
Historic Saratoga Race Course opens the gates for it's 141st season on Wednesday with a race card featuring very full fields, an overnight stakes and the Grade III Schuylerville Stakes for Two Year Old Fillies.
The best horses, best trainers and the deepest jockey coloney are assembled for the summer meet at the Spa as always. The 36 day meet features 34 graded stakes with twelve of those being Grade I, highlighted by the August 29th Travers Stakes which is commonly called the mid-summer Derby. The Travers is expected to feature a re-match between Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Belmont winner Summer Bird. The Travers is also a possibility for Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra whose owners will likely choose between it and the Alabama Stakes for 3 year old fillies.
The Saratoga meet runs Wednesday-Monday through Labor Day.
Here are some Horses to Watch for the Schuylerville Stakes:
Hot Dixie Chick
Broke maiden in last but has top Beyer number in the field and has plenty of speed. Robby Alberado rides for Steve Asmussen.
Cowgirl Mally
Broke maiden in last at Churchill and posted strong work on July 24. Ramon Dominguez rides for Eddie Kenneally.
Aegean
Won the KY Juvenile before a poor showing in first try on grass at Royal Ascot. Consider the trip to England and back and require some value if betting her. Jesus Castanon rides for Wesley Ward.
Decelerator
Won the Debutante at Churchill in last and is one of several who are 2-2 in here. Beyers are a little low but Lukas knows how to handle two year old fillies. Julian Leparoux rides for D. Wayne Lukas.
Beautician
Looked sharp in first timer maiden win in last at Churchill and has been working well since. Kent Desormeaux rides for Ken McPeek.
Historic Saratoga Race Course opens the gates for it's 141st season on Wednesday with a race card featuring very full fields, an overnight stakes and the Grade III Schuylerville Stakes for Two Year Old Fillies.
The best horses, best trainers and the deepest jockey coloney are assembled for the summer meet at the Spa as always. The 36 day meet features 34 graded stakes with twelve of those being Grade I, highlighted by the August 29th Travers Stakes which is commonly called the mid-summer Derby. The Travers is expected to feature a re-match between Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Belmont winner Summer Bird. The Travers is also a possibility for Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra whose owners will likely choose between it and the Alabama Stakes for 3 year old fillies.
The Saratoga meet runs Wednesday-Monday through Labor Day.
Here are some Horses to Watch for the Schuylerville Stakes:
Hot Dixie Chick
Broke maiden in last but has top Beyer number in the field and has plenty of speed. Robby Alberado rides for Steve Asmussen.
Cowgirl Mally
Broke maiden in last at Churchill and posted strong work on July 24. Ramon Dominguez rides for Eddie Kenneally.
Aegean
Won the KY Juvenile before a poor showing in first try on grass at Royal Ascot. Consider the trip to England and back and require some value if betting her. Jesus Castanon rides for Wesley Ward.
Decelerator
Won the Debutante at Churchill in last and is one of several who are 2-2 in here. Beyers are a little low but Lukas knows how to handle two year old fillies. Julian Leparoux rides for D. Wayne Lukas.
Beautician
Looked sharp in first timer maiden win in last at Churchill and has been working well since. Kent Desormeaux rides for Ken McPeek.
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