Ballerina J

The freakishly fast DUBAI ESCAPADE (Awesome Again) leads a field of seven to
post in the $250,000 Ballerina Breeders’ Cup S. (G1) at Saratoga on
Sunday, and we can’t find any reason to go against the four-year-old. The Eoin
Harty charge lost the first main track start in her career last out when
finishing unplaced in the Princess Rooney H. (G1), but we’ll blame that on the
tricky surface at Calder and we expect her to get back to her winning ways
today. Look for the bay miss to burst out of the gate and take this
field gate-to-wire under Edgar Prado, adding a much deserved Grade 1 win to her
resume. 

MALIBU MINT (Malibu Moon) has strung together three terrific races in
succession, including a win in the Princess Rooney two back, and appears live
once again for conditioner James Chapman. The late-developing chestnut has
overcome some erratic affairs earlier in the year to put herself among the best
in her division, and a good showing here would keep her there. Her off-the-pace
running style could be quite advantageous in this group, and we expect her to
make a strong run down the lane beneath Garrett Gomez.

GRECIAN LOVER (Friendly Lover) is not without a shot at a nice payday here
for Allen Jerkens, if she can replicate her last two efforts. Compromised by the
lack of pace in her latest, the dark bay made a nice run into midstretch before
faltering late, but should be stronger in this one in her second start over this
oval. John Velazquez will ride the four-year-old for the initial time, and she
could add a good amount of value in the exotics.

NOTHING BUT FUN (Dixie Union) is another who has a big shot at a top-three
placing for trainer Michael Hushion. The classy filly began her career with four
straight tallies, but has run into some nice fillies of late and is eligible
to improve. The dark bay’s running style could be enhanced by the expected hot
pace, and we give the late runner a big shot to hit the board. Richard Migliore
will once again pilot the miss.

The consistent HIGH BUTTON SHOES (Carson City) earned a nice second in the
Vagrancy H. (G2) two prior and has been freshened for this difficult race by
sharp conditioner Mark Frostad. The Canadian invader drew the rail, which should
allow her to save ground early before putting in her closing run. We’re not sure
if the chestnut is as talented as many of her foes, but she could conclude the
trifecta with a top showing. Eibar Coa has the riding assignment.

STORMY KISS (Arg) (Bernstein) looked good in taking the Honorable Miss H.
(G2) in her latest, but we’re confident that the four-year-old will not work out
a trip where she is alone on the lead through a :45 4/5 half-mile. Nonetheless,
the talented filly has impressed on more than one occasion since coming to the
United States, and further improvement could see her challenge for a Grade 1-placing if
she can rate early. Javier Castellano will retain the mount for Barclay Tagg.

INDIAN FLARE (Cherokee Run) has never faced a group as chiseled as this, and
resembles a need-the-lead type, both of which could lead to her undoing in here.
We respect the connections and see that the bay has talent, but we can’t
envision her impacting this race much after the opening couple of furlongs.