SARATOGA DAILY
NOTEBOOK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST
9, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
After five program scratches, the De La Rose S. was pared down to
a field of seven, with ASI SIEMPRE (El Prado [Ire]) dispatched as
the 9-5 favorite in the wagering.
Even with the five declarations from the De la Rose, there still
was some was extremely adventurous trips to be found. Virden
(Tactical Cat) broke well from her inside post to grab an early
lead, with Miss Matched (Formal Gold), Stormina (Gulch) and My
Lordship (Lord Avie) quickly joining her on the front end as they
made their way toward the clubhouse turn. However, Virden did not
exactly corner all that well, and subsequently carried the
aforementioned trio of runners very wide, with My Lordship getting
the worst of it. The primary beneficiaries of that unfortunate
incident were Bright Abundance (Quiet American) and Asi Siempre.
Both runners saved valuable ground as they watched the episode
unfold.
That experience seemed to take the starch out of Stormina, who
dropped back shortly after entering the backstretch. Miss Matched,
tracked by My Lordship, who was still well out in the middle of the
course, were able to apply only modest pressure on the pacesetting
Virden as the field approached the far turn. Around the turn, an
opening along the rail materialized, with Bright Abundance scooting
through to seize the lead, and Asi Siempre followed in her hoof
prints. It was obvious that the issue would be decided between these
two runners as they quickly began to distance themselves from the
competition. Asi Siempre move to challenge Bright Abundance for the
lead past midstretch and the duo battled gamely to the wire, with
Asi Siempre proving best by a just neck. Connie Belle (Storm Cat)
closed belatedly to get the show, with Stormina rallying mildly to
pass tired runners for fourth. My Lordship probably ran extra
sixteenth of a mile with her troubled trip and got fifth, with
Virden giving way badly once displaced on the front end to finish
sixth. Miss Matched was last.
The main track appeared to mildly favor runners who raced within
striking distance of the leaders. All paths continued to play
evenly. Although there were no wire-to-wire winners on either turf
course, I really can’t say a bias existed, as many of the results
were logical.
Horses to Watch
2ND – SIXTHIRTEEN (Dixie Union) was an extremely bad-actor at the
starting gate in his well bet debut, causing the race to be delayed
several minutes as they attempted to load him time and again.
Subsequently, he leapt into the air at the break, and then raced
wide down the backstretch while departing from an outside post. He
was then angled closer to the inside for the stretch run and
finished with interest late for the show. This was a good
“educational race” to build upon as he hails from a sire who is not
known for producing many winning first out winners.
8TH – WEDDING SINGER (Songandaprayer) broke a couple of lengths
slow at the start, departing from the rail with blinkers off.
Dispensed a wide and sustained rally around the far turn and into
the stretch, and then closed with good energy to grab the show.
Definitely would have been second with a better trip. Although he is
stakes-placed around two turns, I think he will be most effective
sprinting.
Outlook for Thursday, August 10
The advanced forecast for Thursday is for a chance of
thundershowers with a high of 80.
If you like steeplechase contests, then Thursday’s feature race
at “The Spa,” the A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase S. (G2) at 2
1/16 miles, is for you. Otherwise, the John Morrissey S. for New
York-breds at 6 1/2 furlongs will probably be more to your liking.
Whatever your preference is, I’ll touch briefly upon both contests.
The A.P. Smithwick will be run first, and it showcases the return
of HIRAPOUR (Ire) (Kahyasi) for trainer Douglas Fout. Last fall,
Hirapour could not get the best of McDynamo (Dynaformer) in his last
two starts as he attempted to close out the year on a winning note.
However, he is well spotted in his Saratoga return and faces no
rivals of that caliber on Thursday. Despite showing no starts this
year in the past performances, it should be noted that Hirapour
successfully tuned-up for the Smithwick when emerging victorious in
a 1 1/2-mile training race on July 23 at Saratoga, the day of its
customary open house.
GOOD NIGHT SHIRT (Concern), a recent Grade 3 winner at Colonial
Downs last month, is looking to upset the 8-5 morning line favorite
with another top effort. He will once again be ridden by Xavier
Aizpuru. MAURITANIA (Trempolino), idle since May, will be outfitted
with blinkers off the layoff. His connections obviously hope that
the change in equipment will cure him of his recent bout with
seconditis. The lone victory for Mauritania in 2005 came at
Saratoga.
MARK THE SHARK (Summer Squall), who appears to be the likely
pacesetter, was a creditable third behind Good Night Shirt at
Colonial Downs in his last race. He may be poised for a top effort
making his third start off a layoff, and could prove tough to
overhaul if left unoccupied on the front end for too long.
As for the John Morrissey, a field of only five runners has been
entered, with the majority of the wagering support expected to fall
upon BIG APPLE DADDY (Precise End) and GOLD AND ROSES (Gold Token).
I expect that Big Apple Daddy will eventually end up as the post
time favorite off his strong third-place showing in the Tom Fool H.
(G2) behind Silver Train (Old Trieste). Both of his defeats in 2006
have come against Grade 1 and Grade 2 competition, so he should
definitely appreciate some substantial class relief meeting New
York-breds once again. Big Apple Daddy was victorious in his lone
Saratoga start and Richard Migliore will ride.
Gold and Roses’ lone off-the-board effort this year came over a
sloppy track at Monmouth Park against Flower Alley (Distorted
Humor). Sprinting may not be his forte, although he was a creditable
second to Commentator (Distorted Humor) in the Mugatea S. at Belmont
Park in his last outing. Like Big Apple Daddy, he will carry 124
lbs.
CASPER PETERSON (Victory Speech), MT. MAJESTY (Raffie’s Majesty)
and JUST IN FUN (Distorted Humor) comprise the rest of the field.
Thursday’s Plays
5TH (Turf only) – DEMURRER (Louis Quartorze) ran a creditable
race in her career debut for trainer Robert Barbara. She did well to
pass horses in the stretch debuting at nine furlongs in a race that
quickened noticeably late. A more livelier pace scenario is expected
today and the cutback to 1 1/16 miles should be to her advantage as
well. She should have derived beneficial conditioning and experience
from her unveiling, and the fact that John Velazquez rides again
today is a definite plus.
9TH (Turf only) – GRAND OPENING (Ire) (Desert King) finished a
respectable third making her New York debut for trainer Bobby
Frankel. She raced out of position behind an extremely slow pace and
closed with good energy in a race she probably needed. She is
definitely capable of better and owns more tactical speed than she
demonstrated in her most recent effort. Grand Opening has worked
twice since and excels over turf with “give” to it.
SARATOGA DAILY
NOTEBOOK
THURSDAY, AUGUST
10, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
Without having to deal with McDynamo (Dynaformer) in the A.P.
Smithwick (NSA-G2), HIRAPOUR’S (Ire) (Kahyasi) chances of winning
were greatly enhanced. For that matter, that held true for everyone.
So it came as no surprise that the 10-year-old gelding was a
punctual winner as the even-money favorite in his return from a
layoff, which set him up perfectly for a fall campaign.
Languishing near the back of the pack early on, Hirapour merely
bided his time under Matthew McCarron as Mark the Shark (Summer
Squall) set a very enterprising pace, with Mauritania (Trempolino)
his closest pursuer. Those two runners were in a race of their own,
leaving the rest of the field about sixteenth of a mile behind until
they reached the backstretch for the final time.
At that point, Mark the Shark began weakening around the far
turn, as Mauritania, Good Night Shirt (Concern) and Hirapour went
after the leader in earnest. As the quartet turned for home, you
could see that Hirapour was coming best of all and just had to clear
the last remaining hurdle for the victory. And clear it he did, with
relative ease, as he then proceeded to draw away from Good Night
Shirt in deep stretch as the eventual second-place finisher was
unable to match strides with the winner. Mauritania came on late to
claim the show over Mark the Shark, who struggled home to finish
fourth.
In the John Morrissey S., GOLD AND ROSES (Gold Token), who was
pressured virtually every step of the way on the front end, pulled
away in the stretch to an impressive six-length victory.
Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Gold and Roses, the 9-5 second choice in
the wagering, was hounded on the front end by Casper Peterson
(Victory Speech) from the opening bell. Mt. Majesty (Raffie’s
Majesty) sat a perfect outside stalking trip off these two runners,
with 3-5 favorite Big Apple Daddy (Precise End) playing the waiting
game as well, after he had improved his position following an
awkward start. As the field turned into the stretch, Gold and Roses
kicked into gear and started to draw clear, as Big Apple Daddy
angled off the inside by jockey Richard Migliore for his final bid.
However, neither he nor Casper Peterson proved to be much of a
challenge to Gold and Roses late, as the four-year-old continued to
accelerate to win off by himself. Big Apple Daddy had to work to get
the place over Casper Peterson, with Just in Fun (Distorted Humor)
finishing fourth over a tired Mt. Majesty.
The main track appeared to play honestly.
All paths continued to play uniformly.
Both grass courses are starting to play kinder to early speed.
Horses to Watch
2ND – AUTOBAHN GIRL (A.P. Indy) closed well to get second in her
well bet debut, chasing home an impressive, daylight winning
first-timer. She has two siblings who won their debuts as
two-year-olds as well as a pedigree to improve with age, experience
and distance. Zito’s success rate with first-timers is spotty.
5TH – MRS. BAILEY (Mister Baileys [GB]), in a change in tactics,
closed well from off the pace to finish third with the hood removed.
Moved up along the inside on the turn and continued to save ground
into the stretch. Was then angled off the inside for clear sailing
and finished with good energy in a race that quickened late. Might
have been second with a stronger rider as she lugged in a bit in the
stretch.
Outlook for Friday, August 11
Friday’s forecast is for clear skies with a high in the middle
70s.
Field size has been problematic in some of the stakes that have
been run thus far at Saratoga. However, that should not be an issue
in the Waya S., as 16 horses have been entered. However, four of
those runners are on the also-eligible list and can only draw into
the body of the race if scratches occur.
SWEET SCIENCE (Diesis [GB]) and PYRANA (Anabaa) are expected to
vie for favoritism in the Waya, in addition to competing for the
lion’s share of the purse in this marathon turf route at 1 1/2
miles. The former has not been out of the money this year competing
at today’s distance and was a strong third in the Bewitch S. (G3) at
Keeneland this spring, beaten only a length for all the money. Her
tactical speed and ability to stay the course makes her extremely
dangerous. She will reunite with jockey John Velazquez in the Waya,
who was aboard for her lone victory in 2006 which came off a layoff.
Pyrana, who was victorious at 12 furlongs overseas, has not been
asked to run farther than 1 1/8 miles by trainer Patrick Biancone
since coming to the United States. She was an even third in the
Locust Grove H. (G3) at Churchill Downs last month while suffering a
wide trip. She boasts a fitness edge over Sweet Science and has
Julien Leparoux in the saddle once again.
Also expected to garner wagering support is SHARED DREAMS (GB)
(Seeking the Gold), who is trained by top grass trainer Christophe
Clement. She will be ridden by jockey Edgar Prado and was a gutsy
winner in her recent Belmont Park outing. Shared Dreams was only
beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Sweet Science for third money in the
Bewitch.
An interesting alternative to the horses already mentioned is
MILWAUKEE (Fr) (Desert King), who is also trained by Clement. She
didn’t lift a hoof in her North American debut last December at
Calder and has been on the shelf since, at least in the afternoons.
In the morning, it has been a different story as she has been a
steady worker, with a steady/well-spaced workout regimen that dates
back to the middle of May. She will be equipped with Lasix and
jockey Garrett Gomez for the first time, and at 10-1 odds on the
morning line, deserves a long look.
Friday’s Plays
5TH – UNAFFECTED (Put It Back) was hard used contesting, then
setting, a very fast pace off nearly a three-month layoff at Belmont
Park on July 4. He held well until midstretch before tiring to
finish sixth in a much needed effort. He has been freshened by
trainer Mike Hushion, and looms an interesting selection cutting
back in distance and drawing a beneficial inside post in this
abbreviated sprint.
7TH – BAD BOY RISING (Freud) suffered a troubled start in his
career debut for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. He had been pushed along
while trailing the field to find his best stride down the
backstretch after that incident. Bad Boy Rising eventually leveled
off in midstretch and closed well to get the place and was not
abused late. A cleaner trip, in combination with anticipated
progress while hailing from a sharp second-out trainer, makes him
extremely dangerous with Prado returning.
SARATOGA DAILY
NOTEBOOK
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11,
2006
by Bernard T. Moore
A masterful piece of riding by jockey Edgar Prado allowed SHARED
DREAMS (GB) (Seeking the Gold) to make a successful jump into stakes
competition for trainer Christophe Clement, annexing the 12-furlong
Waya S. by three-quarters of a length over the inner turf course.
Saddled with an outside post, Shared Dreams broke well to vie for
the early lead, but was wrangled back to rate from off the pace by
Prado. The winner never left the hedge as three horses vied for
command down the backstretch, with Prado continuing to bide his time
toward the inside part of the course.
These marathon turf contests usually go to the horse with the
best trip, and that was certainly the case in the Waya. The field,
for all intents and purposes, was basically lined up across the
track as they straightened into the stretch, with Rowdy (Malibu
Moon) closing best of all in what appeared to be something like 14
horse-paths off the rail, I kid you not.
Rowdy continued to rally down the middle of the course, and
appeared to be on her way to victory passing the midstretch point.
Shared Dreams had been waiting for a seam to run through, and it
finally materialized, with Prado setting her down for the drive as
she sliced her way between runners. Shared Dreams quickened on cue
as Rowdy was just about to blow past her. Shared Dreams’ late burst
of speed kept that rival at bay as she maintained a safe advantage
to the wire under an energetic hand ride. Prado went from goat to
hero in a matter of seconds, as his riding prowess ultimately proved
to be the deciding factor.
Milwaukee (Fr) (Desert King), also trained by Clement, had an
eventful trip off the layoff. She was a bit rank around the second
turn and was hard held by jockey Garrett Gomez. Milwaukee was forced
to steady on at least three different occasions down the backstretch
while caught in heavy traffic, and continued to lack room behind
runners on the far turn while still under a firm hold. She split
rivals after entering the stretch and began to level off nicely, but
was forced to steady yet again when placed in tight quarters by an
oncoming Rowdy. Milwaukee continued on with good courage while
lugging in a bit in deep stretch to get the show in a strong effort,
all things considered.
Quiero Ganar (Lasting Approval) was on the early pace from the
outset and held gamely to midstretch point before tiring and
finished fourth. Sweet Science (Diesis [GB]) loomed a threatening
presence approaching the far turn, but failed to improve her
position and finished next-to-last in a disappointing effort as the
3-2 favorite.
The main track has not been the haven for front runners that it
used to be in years past, as the track seemed to favor stalkers on
Friday’s card. There was no discernible path bias. Both grass
courses played evenly.
Horses to Watch
2ND – SAGAMOON (Malibu Moon) turned in a good effort while making
her career debut. Was a bit difficult to load into the starting
gate. Broke well to chase a loose front runner, eventually collaring
that rival upon entering the stretch. She was unable to withstand a
more experienced off the pace winner late, but was clearly second
best in a race that finished up well late. Has a pedigree to improve
with distance.
5TH – UNAFFECTED (Put It Back) was allowed to steal away to a
huge daylight lead while setting a ridiculously fast pace off a
five-week rest. Remained clear of the field turning into the
stretch, but had little fight left when the closers came late in a
race that was fast throughout. Might return in his next start
without blinkers.
Outlook for Saturday, August 12
The forecast for Saturday is for clear skies and a high around
76.
RELAXED GESTURE (Ire) (Indian Ridge), who has not been victorious
in New York since May 14, 2005, hopes to remedy that situation for
his connections as the 120-pound highweight in the Sword Dancer
Invitational S. (G1).
In all fairness to Relaxed Gesture, he has been unlucky on
several occasions, namely the Manhattan H. (G1) at Belmont Park,
when jockey Kent Desormeaux dropped the whip and he lost by just a
head in a heartbreaking effort. Regardless, this certainly appears
to be the perfect spot for the Clement-trained Irish-bred runner to
register his first Grade 1 victory in the United States, as he has
been painfully close on a number of occasions the last two years.
Relaxed Gesture has been sharpened for speed in recent days, as his
eye-popping four-furlong prep breeze in :47 seconds on July 31 would
indicate, which is a serious workout for a marathon grass runner.
GO DEPUTY (Deputy Minister) will be saddled by Todd Pletcher, and
he appears to have the best chance of derailing the 8-5 morning-line
favorite. Pletcher opted for this spot rather than the Arlington
Million (G1), and that decision could ultimately reap dividends. Go
Deputy is two for two at Saratoga, and was triumphant off a layoff
in his most recent effort, the Bowling Green H. (G2) at Belmont Park
on July 15. Eibar Coa gets the call in the Sword Dancer.
The unknown quantity in this prolonged turf route is GRAND
COUTURIER (GB) (Grand Lodge) from France. A three-year-old, he would
have been eligible to compete in the Secretariat S. (G1) at
Arlington Park today. That race is also a Grade 1; however, his
trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget, elected to try him against older
runners. He drops a ton of weight, but as this is being written, he
will NOT run on Lasix, a definite disadvantage in the U.S.. Richard
Migliore picks up the mount.
SILVER WHISTLE (Alphabet Soup), SILVERFOOT (With Approval), WILD
DESERT (Wild Rush), RAMAZUTTI (Honor Grades) and CROWN POINT (Honor
Grades) complete the field.
The supporting feature on the card is the Alfred G. Vanderbilt
Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) for three-year-olds and up at six furlongs.
This year’s renewal of the race appears to set up nicely for a
runner who can come from off the pace, and MASS MEDIA (Touch Gold)
certainly fits the bill.
His last winning effort occurred in the 2005 Forego H. (G1) at
Saratoga, albeit at seven furlongs. The Bobby Frankel-trained
five-year-old has been competing exclusively in Grade 1 contests
ever since, and should definitely benefit from some class relief in
addition to an expected lively and contentious pace scenario. Mass
Media will be cutting back to six furlongs, a distance at which he
excels, and will be piloted once again by jockey Javier Castellano.
WAR FRONT (Danzig) has been on the fringes lately, finishing
second in his last three efforts since making the jump into graded
stakes. He has developed a bout of seconditis recently, and trainer
Allen Jerkens hopes that he is able to find the cure in the
Vanderbilt as he reunites with jockey Jose Santos, who hasn’t ridden
the colt in his last two outings. War Front has tactical speed, and
should sit a good stalking trip as he returns to the traditional
six-furlong sprint distance where he boasts two wins from four
starts.
AFRASHAD (Smoke Glacken), who has successfully returned from an
extended layoff to remain unbeaten, takes the acid test for class
stepping up into a Grade 2 event. Purchased for the paltry sum of
$500,000, the Godolphin Stable runner has begun to earn back some of
that purchase price of late, and a graded stakes victory would sure
look good on the resume of this Texas-bred. He drops substantial
weight today and will obviously be hustled away from the gate to
contest the lead drawing an inside post. Richard Migliore, a top
speed rider, climbs aboard the four-year-old again.
BISHOP COURT HILL (Holy Bull) also figures to be on the engine
for trainer Todd Pletcher. He was triumphant in the Carter H. (G1)
this spring at Aqueduct, and has not tasted defeat at “The Spa” in
two starts. A need to lead type of runner, he has his work cut out
for him with Afrashad in the race.
JUDITHS WILD RUSH (Wild Rush), a Woodbine shipper, and THUNDER
TOUCH (Gulch) round out the six-horse field.
Saturday’s Plays
3RD – CONGO KING (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) was a good second in his
return off a prolonged layoff for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. Congo
King stalked a modest early fraction before giving ground as the
pace quickened around the far turn. He rallied to take down the
place over a speed-biased track in a race that was fast for the
class level. With that race under his belt, he appears poised to get
back on the winning track in his second race off the shelf. His lone
career victory came over this track at six furlongs. Dutrow boasts a
gaudy success rate with runners in their second start off a layoff
of six months or more.
9TH – Relaxed Gesture will probably never have a better
opportunity to win a Grade 1 race in New York than in today’s Sword
Dancer. With the “iron” of the division competing in the Arlington
Million, this Irish-bred runner appears to have this field at his
mercy. After his unlucky second in the Manhattan, he was not at his
best in the United Nations S. (G1) at Monmouth Park when plagued by
sore feet, but still managed to finish a respectable third.
According to Clement, he has put that problem behind him. If Relaxed
Gesture can dispense an effort that is anywhere near the
neighborhood of those aforementioned races, they would easily be
enough to handle this field.
Relaxed Gesture will in all likelihood be held at unappetizingly
low odds at post time, so I am recommending a Daily Double play. Use
Relaxed Gesture in the late Daily Double with SWIRLING SOLOMON (IRE)
(Orpen), LEAGUE OF NATIONS (A.P. Indy) and DANCING FOREVER (Rahy),
betting the smaller combinations just a bit more.
SARATOGA DAILY
NOTEBOOK
SATURDAY, AUGUST
12, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
It is rare when Thoroughbred races unfold exactly the way you
expect them to. In the Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (G2), the expected
speed duel between Afrashad (Smoke Glacken) and Bishop Court Hill
(Holy Bull) materialized as anticipated, with both runners knocking
heads on the front end. The horse who got first run at the leaders
projected to be the most likely winner. As it turns out, that was
exactly what happened.
WAR FRONT (Danzig) moved first, engaging the embattled
pacesetters around the far turn under a hand ride from jockey Jose
Santos. The Allen Jerkens-trained runner was able to seize command
rather quickly, eventually spurting away to a daylight lead upon
entering the stretch. Late bids from Judiths Wild Rush (Wild Rush)
and Mass Media (Touch Gold) were not nearly enough as they fell
painstakingly short, with War Front maintaining a safe advantage to
the wire, winning by a measured 2 1/2 lengths as the 8-5 betting
choice. Judiths Wild Rush outfinished Mass Media for the place, with
Afrashad outlasting Bishop Court Hill for fourth place. Thunder
Touch (Gulch) was never a factor and trailed the field throughout.
GO DEPUTY (Deputy Minister) kept his unblemished record at
Saratoga intact with a professional victory in the Sword Dancer
Invitational S. (G1) at 1 1/2 miles. Dispatched at 6-1 odds, the
Todd Pletcher-trained runner benefited from a well-timed, perfect
ride from jockey Eibar Coa.
Go Deputy was in perfect position as the field made its way
around the far turn for the final time. His four-wide bid enabled
him to join the leaders as the field settled into the stretch, and
under constant pressure from Coa, he drew clear past midstretch and
was in hand late. Silver Whistle (Alphabet Soup) raced in the second
flight of runners while saving ground early on. He was maneuvered
off the inside as the far turn came into view, and was fanned wide
as he began a stretch bid. He continued on with good energy to chase
Go Deputy home, but was never a serious win threat. Grand Couturier
(GB) (Grand Lodge) moved to join the pacesetters three-wide down the
backstretch, and subsequently went after the pacesetting Ramazutti
(Honor Grades) on the far turn. As the pace quickened, the
three-year-old English-bred could not, as he was outmoved by the
winner in the stretch. Grand Couturier continued to lug in,
hampering the efforts of his rider, Richard Migliore, in the
stretch, but did manage to finish with interest between rivals late
to take down the show. Ramazutti, who attended the pace from the
outset, tired slowly late and finished fourth.
Simply put, jockey Kent Desormeaux brutalized Relaxed Gesture
(Ire) (Indian Ridge). The 3-5 favorite seemed to be relaxing nicely
on the front end, and was then manhandled by Desormeaux to take back
and rate as the field raced toward the clubhouse turn. Relaxed
Gesture was now under a hard hold in the second flight behind
runners toward the inside. When Crown Point (Honor Grades) drifted
toward the hedge nearing the end of the backstretch, Desormeaux had
no choice but to go around him to commence his bid. Seeing this, Coa
aboard Go Deputy outmoved the favorite entering the turn, and now
Relaxed Gesture was caught behind runners. He was then wheeled to
the outside and forced to lose valuable position and momentum.
Turning into the stretch five-wide, whatever gas Relaxed Gesture had
left in the tank had run out. He subsequently finished out of the
money, checking in fifth in a mystifying display of riding.
The main track favored horses near the lead. The outside paths
appeared to be the best part of the track. Both turf courses played
uniformly.
Horses to Watch
2ND – MAXEY BOY (Forestry) regressed here off a huge effort in
his career debut. He stalked, then set a pressured pace toward the
inside, which was not the best part of the track. Seizing the lead
entering the stretch, he weakened under pressure to finish fourth
stretching out to six furlongs. The juvenile will need some time to
recoup from this effort.
7TH – Mass Media appeared to be a tad short off the layoff
turning back to a sprint. He leveled off nicely around the far turn,
but was floated a bit wide as he attempted to improve his position
and finished evenly late to pick up the show. This might have been a
prep for the Forego S. (G1) later in the meet. Mass Media won that
race last year, and it is contested at seven furlongs, which will
probably suit him better.
Outlook for Sunday, August 13
Clear skies are expected to continue into Sunday, with a high
approaching 80.
Stakes contests on the turf have usually produced large fields
this meet, and the West Point H. for New York-breds proved to be no
exception, as 16 runners have been entered. However, only 12 runners
will actually compete, with one entrant stuck on the also-eligible
list. In addition, three runners have been designated as main-track
only.
GOLDEN COMMANDER (Deputy Commander) was a strong third to Ashkal
Way (Ire) (Ashkalani) in an allowance/optional claiming contest at
Belmont Park on June 14. That runner has since come back to finish a
solid second in the Fourstardave H. (G2), run earlier this meet,
and, as a result, Golden Commander will probably be a slight choice
in the wagering. The dark bay six-year-old gets a positive rider
switch to Edgar Prado, and is a prolific horse-for-the-course,
having won three of his four starts at the Spa. Golden Commander has
been training steadily of late and returns to nine furlongs, a
distance at which he excels. He has fine tactical speed and should
benefit from a good stalking trip.
The highweight in the field for turf is CERTIFIABLY CRAZY (Fit to
Fight), who is exiting a wire-to-wire victory in the Draw Shot S. at
Belmont Park on July 16. He has the ability to either set or stalk
the early fractions, and was a close-up third in this contest last
year. He gets the rail and jockey Cornelio Velasquez.
FOREVERNESS (Island Whirl) defeated open company rivals in the
Fort Marcy H. (G3), his lone victory in the last two years upon
returning to New York in April of this year. Nevertheless, he has
gone down to defeat in two subsequent starts versus statebreds, and
looks to get back on the winning track while dropping weight. Coa
will be aboard once again.
DAVE (Ends Well) returns to Saratoga to defend his title in the
West Point H. He was victimized by an extremely wide trip in the
Draw Shot behind Certifiably Crazy, finishing fifth in that event. A
better trip in his Saratoga return, where he was victorious twice in
2005, stamps the five-year-old gelding an obvious threat.
If CHESTERTOWN SLEW (Seattle Slew) is able to produce his
“A-race,” he’ll loom an upset possibility at 10-1 on the morning
line. He was not badly beaten in the Saranac S. (G3) over this
course last year as a three-year-old while competing at a longer
distance. The son of the great Seattle Slew appears to be at his
best with a target to run at, and he draws a good inside post.
Jockey Migliore rides him extremely well.
Sunday’s Plays
3RD – COLLEGE GIRL (Suave Prospect) put in a recent good effort
over the track, which is always a definite plus. College Girl
returned to her winning ways at Saratoga on July 31 while also
getting a dry track, which she seems to prefer. The Gary Contessa-trained
filly exhibited improved speed dropping in for a $35,000 selling
price, and then closed strongly in deep stretch to win edging clear.
She faces similar rivals again today for a trainer that does well
with returning winners. The extra furlong should not pose a problem,
and she projects to sit a good inside trip with Rafael Bejarano
returning.
7TH – TOSS THE FEATHER (Dixie Union) appears well spotted by
trainer James Jerkens in her second career start, and ultimately
this could be his initial winner of the meet. This has not been what
you would call a stellar meet for Jerkens. As of this writing, he
has yet to saddle a winner at the Spa, which is in stark contrast to
his 2005 Saratoga meet. In her unveiling at Belmont Park, Toss the
Feather raced a bit sluggishly before delivering a strong middle
move to reduce her deficit around the far turn. That burst of speed
essentially took the starch out of her as she was one-paced to the
finish in a good educational effort. With that experience under her
belt, she has a license to show noticeable progress today. Jerkens
has worked her thrice since, and she will be equipped with Lasix for
the first time. Mike Luzzi got to know her in that debut effort, and
improvement is anticipated stretching out to seven furlongs.
SARATOGA DAILY
NOTEBOOK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13,
2006
by Bernard T. Moore
On turf, it’s the trip that matters most. CERTIFIABLY CRAZY (Fit
To Fight) proved that point, benefiting from a perfect stalking trip
under jockey Cornelio Velasquez in the West Point H., and
subsequently parlayed that advantage into a decisive 1 3/4-length
victory.
Velasquez, who has been riding in career form this meet at
Saratoga, did not push the panic button when Retribution (Rob ‘N
Gin) amassed a huge daylight lead down the backstretch. He merely
waited for the pacesetter to come back to the field and, when he
did, sent his six-year-old New York-bred mount to the lead in the
stretch, and then was never seriously menaced while under steady
handling to remain clear.
Dave (Ends Well), who won the West Point H. in 2005, moved in
company with the winner around the far turn. He drew alongside
Certifiably Crazy in the stretch, but was unable to match strides
with him late, and just held the place by a neck. Pa Pa Da
(Incurable Optimist) lost ground throughout and was extremely wide
around the far turn. Jockey John Velazquez moved him inside a bit
around the far turn, and then split horses in the stretch to secure
a clear path. He closed strongly late to just miss second in a good
showing. Golden Commander (Deputy Commander) was trapped behind
runners on the turn, and once again after he settled into the
stretch while crying out for racing room. The near 2-1 favorite
finally attained that room, shook clear past midstretch, but simply
could not accelerate when called upon as he appeared a tad rusty off
a two-month break and finished another neck back in fourth.
The main track played uniformly once again. The outside paths
seemed to be the best part of the track. Both grass courses played
evenly.
Horses to Watch
2ND – BITTER LEMON (Lemon Drop Kid) was a good third despite a
less than ideal trip. She was outsprinted for the early lead
breaking from the rail, and then had to steady a bit when in tight
along the inside, appearing to pull herself up as a result. She fell
well off the early pace, and then split rivals in the stretch when
starting to rally, leveling off nicely once in the clear. She closed
widest and best of all late, and certainly gives the impression that
she is a horse that would welcome more ground.
6TH – PRIVY SEAL (Ire) (Cape Cross [Ire]) ran a good second
shipping back to New York for Richard Dutrow Jr.. He was compromised
by a wide trip from an outside post, as well as by soft fractions at
one mile over the inner turf. Finished best in the stretch behind an
impressive wire-to-wire winner, who loped along on the lead. Would
definitely benefit from a livelier pace scenario and more real
estate in subsequent starts.
Outlook for Monday, August 14
Partly sunny skies are expected for Monday with a high in the low
80s.
A field of seven, including one main-track only entrant, has been
entered to contest Monday’s feature, the Troy S. at 5 1/2 furlongs
on the grass. Favoritism in this compact field is expected to fall
upon WEIGELIA (Safely’s Mark), who was a strong third in the Smile
Sprint H. (G2) at Calder in his most recent effort. This abbreviated
sprint should fit the five-year-old like the proverbial glove. He
will reunite with jockey Velazquez, who will be afforded the option
to either dictate or track the early pace as the Michael Trombetta-trained
runner possesses versatile running styles. A sharp three-furlong
bullet work last week is indicative of Weigelia’s current level of
fitness, and he is well drawn toward the inside.
SECOND IN COMMAND (Silver Deputy) will make his first start off
the Dutrow claim. He is perfect in both starts over this course at
today’s distance, and one has to speculate if he was deliberately
claimed with this type of contest in mind. However, each of the
aforementioned winning races came without blinkers, which is still
expected to be part of his equipment returning to Saratoga. Edgar
Prado has the mount.
YES YES YES (Yes It’s True) switches back to the turf for Todd
Pletcher. He was stakes-placed last year over the Monmouth Park
grass course on two occasions, beaten by a mere neck each time while
suffering heartbreaking defeats. He was a sharp second in his most
recent start at Churchill Downs, and has been freshened a bit since.
One has to question why Pletcher’s “go to” rider, Velazquez, is
aboard Weigelia. Fernando Jara rides Yes Yes Yes for Pletcher.
PISGAH (Good and Tough) is a recent stakes winner at Delaware
Park over extremely soft ground. He fits well in this spot, but will
need a hot and contested pace to be at his best. He most certainly
will be making up ground late should that scenario occur. Velasquez
will ride for trainer Scott Lake, who has struggled at the Saratoga
meet thus far.
Making up the rest of the field are SAFSOOF (Gilded Time) and
BINGOBEAR (Polish Numbers). THE STUDENT (Arg) (Mutakddim) will run
only if this race is transferred to the main track.
Monday’s Plays
1ST – SHEER SILK (Western Expression) ran creditably turning back
to a sprint off the Robert Klesaris claim during opening week. She
dueled head and head for the early lead, and then tired gradually in
a much needed effort. I anticipate improvement in her second effort
at the Spa, as she possesses dangerous speed in a race lacking much
in the way of early pace.
9TH – HUNSA (Swain [Ire]) woke up in a big way for trainer Bobby
Frankel in her second lifetime start at Belmont Park when she was
bet down to 7-2 odds. She was allowed to carve out a deliberate pace
that day off near two-month layoff, but held gamely to save the
place in a race that quickened noticeably late. A revert to rating
tactics is possible after drawing an outside post. Hunsa boasts a
tactical and fitness edge over her main rivals, and appears well
spotted versus a vulnerable field of maiden runners.
SARATOGA DAILY
NOTEBOOK
MONDAY, AUGUST 14,
2006
by Bernard T. Moore
In yesterday’s Saratoga Daily Notebook, I contemplated if SECOND
IN COMMAND (Silver Deputy) was claimed with this type of contest in
mind by his new connections. Today, I know that he was. Roaring down
the middle of the course, Second In Command closed willingly to get
the lead past midstretch and then strode clear under a hand ride by
jockey Edgar Prado to win the Troy S.
Weigelia (Safely’s Mark), the odds-on favorite in the Troy, broke
alertly to set a pressured pace under jockey John Velazquez. He was
pestered first by Bingobear (Polish Numbers) early on, and
subsequently by Yes Yes Yes (Yes It’s True) around the far turn.
Second In Command, after an alert beginning, was allowed to drop
back and rate off the pace, but was coming with his run when caught
behind horses on the far turn and entering the stretch. Weigelia
failed to quickened when called upon once in the stretch, and it
became clear that he was in deep water. By this time, Second In
Command was in high gear and he blew by the leaders past the
midstretch point, eventually scoring by 2 1/4 lengths in
course-record time. Bingobear offered a late rally as well to get
the place by a half-length over Weigelia, who faded to third. Yes
Yes Yes was beaten a nose for the show, while Safsoof (Gilded Time)
and Pisgah (Good And Tough) failed to make an impact in the race.
The main track played evenly again today.
The outside paths continue to be favorable.
Both turf sprints went to closers.
Horses to Watch
5TH – LADY JOVE (Lord Carson) regressed shipping into Saratoga
while cutting back in distance to seven furlongs. Forced to chase a
loose wire-to-wire winner who beat the gate, she stalked that runner
to upper stretch before tiring. Both of her winning races were
downstate at Belmont Park, which she seems to prefer.
8TH – Yes Yes Yes turned in a good effort on the grass, a surface
that he has yet to win over. Held gamely disputing the pace to deep
stretch, tiring slowly late to just miss third. It appears that he
prefers the main track.
Outlook for Wednesday, August 16
Partly sunny skies are forecast for Wednesday with a near 80.
Ten juvenile fillies are scheduled to head to the post Wednesday
afternoon to contest the Adirondack Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) at six and
a half furlongs.
While the well traveled RICHWOMAN (Successful Appeal) is more
accomplished, all eyes will be focused upon MAGICAL RIDE (Storm
Cat), a homebred runner who was ultra-impressive in her Belmont Park
debut effort for trainer Rusty Arnold.
Possessing unlimited potential, Magical Ride was obviously well
bet and well meant when unveiled by her connections on July 14,
rating kindly while setting a very enterprising pace. Upon entering
the stretch, she subsequently drew away to an insurmountable lead
and then maintained that advantage to the finish under modest
encouragement. The fact that jockey Fernando Jara dropped the whip
was of little consequence, as this daughter of Storm Cat ran a hole
in the wind, recording an enormous triple-digit BRIS speed rating of
105. Did she run too fast too early in her career? We will soon find
out as this filly could really be something special.
Unbeaten in three career starts, Richwoman has won two stakes
contests, which includes a gritty triumph in the Debutante S. (G3)
at Churchill Downs on July 8. It is evident that she certainly does
not have to carry her racetrack with her, and a recent near bullet,
five-furlong prep breeze over the Saratoga training track
demonstrates that she has acclimated quite nicely to her new
surroundings. She has tactical speed to sit a good inside trip and
is obviously the horse to beat.
CHAGALL (Successful Appeal) was an unlucky second when defeated
by Richwoman in her stakes debut in Kentucky. She raced wide
disputing the pace, and was simply outgamed in deep stretch. Chagall
is expected to give a good account of herself once again. She draws
a good inside post and has trained well since arriving in Saratoga.
John Velazquez will ride.
Also expected to be on the radar screen of handicappers in the
Adirondack is OCTAVE (Unbridled’s Song), a stablemate of Chagall.
Making her stakes debut in the swiftly run Astoria S. last month at
Belmont Park, she ran creditably to finish second as the odds-on
favorite. Octave has worked steadily downstate for Pletcher, and
will be ridden by Garrett Gomez.
Wednesday’s Plays
3RD – SHE’S INDY MONEY (A.P. Indy) remained unbeaten around one
turn for trainer Bill Mott with a fine pace-pressing victory off the
layoff on June 2 at Belmont Park. A forward factor from the outset,
she seized command in the stretch and slowly edged away to win by 1
3/4 lengths. Mott has freshened her since that effort, and she seems
well spotted taking the next logical step up the class ladder. She’s
Indy Money’s fine tactical speed and ability to fire her best shot
when fresh make her extremely dangerous today. She has been fed a
steady diet of morning trials of late and it looks as if she has a
tactical advantage over her main rivals.
6TH – BE A BELIEVER (Gilded Time) returns on relatively short
rest for trainer Linda Rice, making her first start for a selling
price. Be A Believer has not been able to crack the winner’s circle
since her gutsy maiden victory. She has been a tad overmatched
since, and takes a realistic drop in class meeting limited winners.
She was not badly beaten in her Saratoga debut on August 7, but
could not sustain a stretch bid in a swiftly run contest. Be A
Believer has more speed than she has demonstrated of late, and could
sit a perfect trip drawing a beneficial inside post.