Spend a Buck

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Saturday’s $100,000 Spend a Buck H. (G3) at Calder drew a solid field of nine,
including 2007 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile runner-up GOTTCHA GOLD (Coronado’s
Quest), but we’ll go with another horse who owns plenty of back class.
SWEETNORTHERNSAINT (Sweetsouthernsaint) didn’t fire last time on the turf, but
he captured the Primal S. by 6 3/4 lengths two starts back on the main track at
Calder. The five-year-old gelding appears to be rounding back into form for
trainer Leo Azpurua, and he’ll be up close from the start stalking the pace
under Pascacio Lopez. We’ll look for him to record his first graded victory
since taking the 2006 Illinois Derby (G2).

Gottcha Gold reeled off a pair of commanding Grade 3 wins prior to his
top-class performance in the inaugural running of the Dirt Mile, and he ran well
earlier this year when capturing the Skip Away H. (G3) by 3 1/2 lengths and
finishing second by a neck in the Pimlico Special H. (G1). He’s tailed off some
since then, recording a disappointing fourth in the Skip Away S. two starts back
and another fourth in the Philip H. Iselin S. (G3) last out, and trainer Ed Plesa
Jr. has freshened him 63 days for this start. The five-year-old is eligible to
rebound here, but we’re leery of supporting him at a short price given his last
few efforts.

IT’S A BIRD (Birdonthewire) will bring a two-race win skein into this event
for Marty Wolfson, and we won’t be surprised to see him run big in this spot.
The five-year-old rolled to a five-length score in the Plagiarize S. last out,
taking the 1 1/2-mile event in wire-to-wire fashion, and the local hero (five
wins at Calder) has won at the 8 1/2-furlong distance. Cross-entered to the
Miami Mile H. (G3) on turf, It’s a Bird is a threat
to last a long way on the front end with Jermaine Bridgmohan if he starts here.

FINALLYMADEIT (Concerto) faltered as the favorite in the Plagiarize last
time, but the distance wasn’t a good fit and he’s got a much better chance at 1
1/16 miles (4-2-2-0 mark). An easy winner of the Band Is Passing S. two starts
back, the Javier Negrete trainee owns commendable BRIS Speed figures and is a
logical contender for at least part.

JUDITHS WILD RUSH (Wild Rush) exits a nice win at Suffolk Downs, and the gray
seven-year-old has hit the board in eight of 10 starts this season. This will be
his first start at Calder, but we can’t dismiss his chances for another top-three placing. The veteran hasn’t had much success at the graded level, but he
tries hard and will enter this event off an encouraging performance. MARNESIA’S
BIG BOY (Halo’s Image) has enjoyed a fine season under the tutelage of Albino
Rossi, but he could find this company too difficult.

WHOS CRYING NOW (Concerto) hasn’t been very competitive in his last five
starts. He owns the back class to challenge, but we’re not convinced he’ll wake
up on this occasion. DREAM MAESTRO (Concerto) likely needs an easier spot to be
a serious factor. HAL’S MY HOPE (Halo’s Image) drew the far outside post and is
in terrible form.