Category Archives: Horses to Watch

Horses to Watch Saratoga 2016

July 22

Clifton Pleasure came from well off the pace to win the first race. Yakov set the pace and Jet Black tracked him, taking the lead entering the stretch. In the second race Bliss to You came from well back to win by four. Ribbon its sprinted out to the lead and was courageous in the stretch holding off all but the winner. In the third Roll Tide Roll was close up early, sprinted away in the stretch and had just enough left to hold off Chipit. The latter was just behind the leaders but could not catch the winner. In the fourth Sentiero Italia had a dream trip along the rail pressing about two lengths behind the leader early, moved to a clear lane for the stretch run and won without offering his best. In the fifth massive longshot Scarlet Goddess led the field out of the gate and got run down by Annie Rocks, losing by a slim margin. In the sixth Bowie wired the field in fair time. In the seventh Takrees closed stoutly in the stretch to run down True Romance. The latter had a clear lead in the stretch and faltered badly late. In the eighth the race totally broke down with Sweet Loretta coming from well back to score by four and Fun coming from about the same spot to nab the place. In the ninth, Ancient Secret pressed behind the leaders, took the lead on the outside and held the field safe. Elysea’s World came from well off the pace to nail the place. In the 10th, Market Strength came from off the pace, struggled to get by come around but in the end jumped by him. Come Around was flanked on the leader down the backstretch, took the lead into the turn, looked like a winner but hung late.

Horses to Watch

  • Jet Black
  • Ribbonite
  • Scarlett Goddess

July 23

In the opener Money Changer and Afleet Martini ran 1-2 all the way around the track, with Money Changer drawing away smartly at the end. In the second, Master Merion went right to the front, hung tough down the stretch but could not outkick the winner. Conquest Sure Shot had a dream trip on the rail found a lane in the stretch and motored by the place horse. Keynesian was bounced all over the place at the start, ultimately shuffling to last but showing some interest in the stretch. In the third, Zartera, Random Walk and Bay Numbers went into a wicked pace duel, leaving the race open for a closing Bitumen. Random Walk held the best of the speed horses. In the fourth, the favorite Come As You Are was well back on the backstretch while Condominium and Black Doblin dueled up front, engaged in a stirring stretch battle with Onlytheshadowknows and prevailed late. In the fifth, Big Rock was three lengths behind early, but closed down the lane and just prevailed over Lord of Love. Cort held the lead to mid stretch but couldn’t repel the two closer’s, losing by a length. In the sixth, One Liner and Royal Copy pressed the pace behind Forge with One Liner pulling away at the end. In the seventh, Ascend pressed the pace and closed well in the stretch. Slim Shadey made a big close down the stretch to nail the place. Inordinate had all sorts of trouble with traffic. He saved ground early, tried moving out, had to steady down the backstretch, looked to make a move in the stretch but continued to have traffic problems. In the eighth, Our Way saved ground most of the race, found a lane in the stretch  and sprinted clear. Tizarunner was well back entering the stretch and made up quite a bit of ground to nail the place. In the ninth, Cadeyrn hesitated just a bit at the break but went right to the front, led down the backstretch on a fair pace, continued on gamely in the stretch but was no match for the top two. My Man Sam was shuffled back down the backstretch, found a lane but could not get by the winner, Tale of Verve. That one was well back early while saving ground, moved well outside going into the turn, went wide into the stretch and outfinished the place horse. In the tenth, rain started but did not seriously affect the track. Isabella Sings went out on fast fractions, could not hold in the stretch and finished well out of it. Dacita came from last to barely get the win. In the eleventh, Dendrite acted up at the start hopping as the gates opened, was last out of the gate, rushed to the front and had the lead by three on the backstretch, but was stalled in the stretch. Procurement was seven back on the backstretch while saving ground, took the lead in the stretch and drew away. Dream Man came from well back to close for the place.

Horses to Watch

  • Master Merion
  • Random Walk
  • Cort
  • Inordinate
  • Tizarunner
  • Dendrite

July 24

In the first, Comandante settled in fourth early, swung outside for the stretch and closed impressively for the win. Gambler’s Ghost had the lead early and maintained into the stretch but could not hold off the winner. In the second, Enstone broke alertly, tracked in second, edged in front out of the turn, continued gamely in the stretch, but could not hold off the winner. Majestic Bonnie was back early, swung wide in the stretch, and ran down the place horse. In the third, Bird Song settled into a tracking position early, moved up around the turn, and outfinished everyone. Portando pressed in second early, continued gamely, but was not match for the winner. In the fourth, Wild With Style broke well behind the field, but did close lengths in the stretch. Woodville tracked in third down the backstretch, took the lead out of the turn and drew away as much the best. AskforForgiveness was well back early, closed in the stretch, but was well behind the winner. In the fifth, Goodbye Sorrow broke well but hopped in the air and was hard to wrangle. Dauphine Russe was back early, found a slot on the rail, and closed strongly for the win. In the sixth, Truth went right to the front on average fractions and had plenty in the stretch to win. In the seventh, Coalport took the lead early, held until mid stretch but could not hold back the winner. Farhaan was well back early but moved strongly around the turn and continued on to win convincingly. In the eighth, Super Surprise had a rail trip early, was well back while making steady progress around the turn, came through on the inside and drew away smartly.  Pico Uno had a good tracking spot on the rail early took the lead near the top of the stretch, but was not a match for the winner.  In the tenth, Gap year tracked closely in third while on the rail on the backstretch, took the lead in the stretch and held off all challengers. Ginger N Rye saved ground while well back on the backstretch, shot through an opening on the rail and narrowly missed. In the tenth, Songbird went to the front, was seriously challenged around the turn and into the stretch, but sprinted well clear in the stretch in a dominating performance. In the eleventh, Derby Champagne broke on top, stayed well behind big leader Lucky Town, caught that one at the top of the stretch and held off Mav and Yowl all the way down the stretch. There was an inquiry into the stretch run with no change.

Horses to Watch

  • Woodville
  • Songbird

July 25

In the first, the strong favorite Girl Talk tracked in third on the rail, moved around the turn, went to a drive entering the stretch and held Verve’s tale safe. Verve’s Tale was toward the back on the backstretch, moved wide for the stretch run, but could not match strides with the winner late. Queen Emma stumbled badly at the start and lost all chance. In the second, the top two choices Grey Glory and Boomerang Toy finished 1-2. Boomerang Toy probably had the tougher trip since he was pushed by Miroc. In the third, Pinstripe went right to the front and was never threatened. Patton Proud was well back early, made a strong move while wide in the stretch to catch the place. In the fourth, Lady Joan tracked in third, swung wide for the drive and won with authority. Mo Promise was farther back early, closed with zest but was no match for the winner. In the fifth, Frosty Lady pressed the front runner and took the lead going into the stretch and won by three. Weekend Hottie was five off the leader while saving ground on the rail, went outside for the drive, couldn’t catch the winner but was best of the rest. In the sixth, Animal Appeal went right to the front and never looked back, winning by many.  Startwithsilver was toward the back, closed best of the rest in the stretch. In the seventh, Watershed was on the outside while tracking the main pack, closed down the middle of the track to nail the win. Tale of Life saved ground all the way, slipped through along the rail, took the lead and looked good in the stretch but tired slightly.In the eighth, Long on Value was near the back of the pack early while on the outside, swung widest of all and ran by the field. Successful Native pressed the lead early, got the front at the top of the stretch but could not outfinish the winner. In the ninth, Shoot From the Hip tracked four lengths off the leader, rushed to the lead entering the stretch and won by two. Tradfest was close up early, finished well mid track.  Bold Illusion hopped out of the gate, immediately trailed and was no factor.

July 27

In the second, Fear That tracked the leader while getting a rail trip, moved outside in the stretch and finished off the field. Sebonack went right to the front but could not hold off the stretch run of the winner. In the third, Conscience broke smartly, went to the front on the backstretch, and had plenty left. In the fourth, Going for Broke moved to the back of the pack early but was only six lengths behind the leader, was deftly guided through the pack, angled off the rail and was all out to hold off Rachel’s Temper. The latter also came from off the pace and was very stubborn in the stretch. In the fifth, Safe With Me tracked while saving ground, swung outside and had just enough to get the win. Aikenetta tracked the leaders, had the lead in the stretch, and just missed the win. Fifteen Church broke slowly and was quickly behind the field but showed some interest in the stretch primarily running on her own courage. In the sixth, Tale for Ruby settled just behind the leader on the backstretch, took the lead out of the turn and finished strong. In the seventh, Asset Inflation tracked on the hedge and out finished the place horse. Polar Axis took the lead down the backstretch, stayed strong in the stretch, could not match the winner, but was best of the rest. Wicked Freud was acting up at the gate, ran evenly and finished out of it. In the eighth, Haveyougoneaway was unhurried early while tracking behind the leading group, let the place horse get the jump, but had enough to run her down. Paulassilverlining broke on top, was pulled back to sixth while trailing by three, closed up the rail and took the lead in the stretch, hooked up with the winner in the stretch but could not prevail. In the ninth, Sanctifica broke smartly and pressed the leader on the outside, worked hard to get the lead and drew away. Two Pump picked up the pieces closing up the rail. In the tenth,  Shalako, found a rail spot early mid-pack and closed to barely nail Mambo at the Gym.

Horses to Watch

  • Fifteen Church
  • Wicked Freud

July 28

In the first race Moon Medal settled just off the pace of the leader, backed off by four on the backstretch, moved to the lead coming out of the turn and had enough to hold the place horse safe. Comet Sixty Two was just behind that one, was slightly blocked entering the stretch, closed well and was getting to the winner at the end. In the second, House of Friends broke smartly, settled to the back of the main pack, moved through horses around the turn, had a clear run on the outside and won going away. In the third, Benevolence broke on top, went right to the rail and held the field safe to the wire. In the fourth, Flash Trading settled in the back of a very tight pack early while outside, circled around the turn and outfinished the others. In the fifth, Macho Miah was up front early on the far outside, cleared the pack and ran down the early race leader Song for the Soul. The latter dug in but could not repel the winner. In the sixth, Archie went to the front from the outside, made his way to the rail entering the clubhouse turn, set fairly docile fractions and had plenty left for the stretch run.  In the seventh, Spartiatis broke a step slow and was quickly at the back of the pack, swung very wide around the turn and made a furious close late to get the win. In the eighth, Guilty Twelve was pushed from the hedge and got a good position going into the first turn, saving a ton of ground, stayed in the mid pack spot, started working his way through horses going into the far turn, found a seam just off the rail and closed strongly to nail the win over early leader Walking the Kitten. In the ninth, Moonlight Song went right to the front held the lead while drifting off the rail to mid track out of the turn, dove back down to the rail and drove home on top. In the tenth,  Reckless Humor broke on top while on the outside, couldn’t clear to the lead so tracked a length and a half off the leader, tackled that one around the turn and wore him down, drawing off by two at the end. Papa’s Missile set very good fractions, looked stout for a while in the stretch and was passed by four late, and only lost by three lengths.

Horses to Watch

  • Papa’s Missile

July 29

The day seemed to favor speed off the rail on the dirt. In the first, Squeeze Thetrigger worked hard to get position coming into the first turn settled In fourth early while saving ground on the rail, made progress toward the front around the turn, moved outside  and outfinished the next two finishers in a hard drive. In the second, Buffalo Miss broke on top, drove to the lead, and wired the field on quick fractions. In the third, Grey Stark settled toward the back of the pack while being wrangled , settled in that spot along the backstretch, started moving wide around the turn and made a stout close to win by a length. In the fourth, Beeks broke on top drove to the front on the outside, dueled with Singleton around the track and pulled away in the stretch. In the fifth, Freud’s Friend broke well, went to the front, and had enough to just hold off Jo’s Bold Cat. In the sixth, Tahoe Tigress broke well, settle back last early, although only four lengths out of it, went wide into the stretch and closed strongly for the win. In the seventh, Eden Ridge was three back while saving ground on the rail on the backstretch early, got out for the stretch run and closed to win impressively. In the eighth, Quigley’s Corner broke well and settled in second on the rail well behind Sunset Knoll, steadily close the gap, took the lead in early stretch and drew away by five. In the ninth, Connect settled on the rail, moved to the lead coming out of the clubhouse turn, ran on fair fractions, and outfinished a game Gift Box in the stretch. In the tenth, Signature Look got a good spot on the rail at the back of the main pack, moved mid track around the turn and closed strongly in the stretch.

Horses to Watch

  • Buffalo Miss
  • Quigley’s Corner

July 30

In the first, Ancient Warfare was mid pack early, slipped toward the back, made progress around the turn while on the rail, moved though a hole that opened up and drove up the rail to win going away. In the second, Old Upstart settled off the leader on the rail, drove up the rail, collared the leader at the top of the stretch and prevailed in a very hard drive. In the third, the heavy favorite Theory broke smartly, pressed the pace down the backstretch, and drew off under mild urging to the wire. In the fourth, Mind Your Biscuits was last down the backstretch, found a slot on the rail and closed strongly to get the win. Maniacal had the lead most of the way and was best of the rest. In the fifth, Deeply Undervalued tracked in third while on the rail early, moved outside for the drive and drew away by four. In the sixth, Aussie Prayer broke with the pack, stayed on the rail tracking the leader, found a seem and closed to win by 4. In the 7th, Flinthshire was content to stay on the rail until the stretch, moved out and stretched. In the eighth race, Ray’s the Bar settled mid-pack just off the leaders, made his move in the stretch and won going away. In Race 9, A P  Indian tracked early on the rail, slipped outside for the drive and outfinished Holy Boss. In the tenth, In the Jim Dandy, Loaban took the lead on very soft fractions and had enough left to hold off Governor Malibu and Destin. In the eleventh, Newcomb shot to the front while trying to be restrained, finally settled and opened up a clear lead on the backstretch on fairly fractions, and had plenty left to hold off the closers.

Horses to Watch

  • Maniacal

July 31

No horses to watch – track was sloppy.

August 1

No horses to watch – track sloppy.

Horses to Watch – Belmont Spring Meeting

April 29

  • More Than Rainbows quickly went to the front and held pretty well to only lose the whole thing by 2 lengths. He may be a one dimensional speed horse, but he looked a little better on the turf.
  • Classy Chris had a bad trip. Broke poorly, refused to drive up the rail, was pulled back to last to go to the outside and made a sustained wide move to finish second.
  • Animal Appeal dueled up front with Hush Now in very fast fractions and was run down.
  • Esther the Queen was close to the rapid fractions in the 5th race and still closed well to finish second.
  • Wake Up Smiling lost momentum in the stretch but once she regained stride was closing courageously,
  • Race to Watch – 7th was run in course record time. Race was won by closer’s, so especially look at the pacesetters.

April 30

  • Puppy Manners broke poorly, was hard to wrangle, but found his stride late and just prevailed.
  • Castaway pressed on the outside of the leaders, outkicked them in the stretch and just missed.
  • Mosler set a torrid pace and hung on the best of the speed horses.

May 1

  • The track had a lot of moisture  and the day seemed to favor horses off the rail to midtrack.
  • Nicholson was no match for the winner, but looked good in holding off the rest of the field. Worth a look on the comeback.
  • Sweetrayofsunshine battled for the lead, was challenged at the top of the stretch and continued on the rail courageously.
  • War Queen missed the break from the one hole, rushed to catch the main group but gave way in the stretch
  • Curious Cal battled neck and neck around the track while on the outside and just missed.
  • Geaux Mets battled strongly while on the rail but got bogged down in the deeper going and faded in the stretch

May 4

  • Sioux went right to the front, ran well but could not hold off the winner.

May 5

None

May 6

None

May 7

  • Most winners stayed off the rail and finished mid track.
  • Arnhem led all the way to the last jump.
  • Tashreeh broke smartly, ran without being punished and drew away in the stretch without being asked for his best.
  • Prophet’s Cat hopped at the start and was quickly four lengths behind. He made a good move entering the stretch and didn’t miss the show by that much.
  • Force set some fast fractions but could not hold on.
  • Smooth Daddy went right to the front, stubbornly held on in the stretch, but in the end could not hold off the winner.

May 8

  • Most winners stayed off the rail and finished mid track
  • Don’t Point set the fractions, was stubborn in the stretch, but couldn’t match strides with the winner.
  • Yenta steadied out of the gate, rushed to be with the main group, ran with interest but could not sustain that move.

May 11

  • Pinnacle Mountain was buried on the rail, finally found a seam and finished with courage
  • Indulgent broke slowly, looked to be fighting the jockey early, made a sharp sustained move mid race but flattened in the stretch.
  • Shkspeare Shallyah broke poorly, trailed well back early, but was finishing best of all.
  • St. Louie checked hard shortly after the start and never got into the race. 
  • Width battled up front and finished the best of the early speed horses.

    May 12

  • Frontrunners slightly off the rail seemed to have an advantage.
  • In Condition looked ready to hop up at the start when the gates opened, was being controlled by the assistant starter and did not break with the others. Ultimately was declared a non-starter.
  • For Later missed the break, losing five lengths out of the gate, made steady progress around the turn and closed to be a clear second. 
  • Time for Angie broke well, settled in second outside the leader,  passed that one around the turn, took the lead coming into the stretch and drew off under a hand ride
  • Inspector Lynley was making a move along the rail in the stretch and was checked hard, losing all momentum.
  • Pirouette broke slowly and was quickly 5 lengths behind the field and was never pushed hard.

May 13

  • On the dirt, speed off the rail as the winning pattern.
  • Jet Black battled for the lead, finally put the chalk away, went head to head with the winner and just missed.
  • Wizardly was a long way back early, closed furiously on the rail and lost the whole thing by 3/4 length.

May 14

  • Speed had a definite advantage on the dirt
  • Tiz Twice led all the way to the 16th pole and barely missed the place.
  • Sunny Puzzle pressed on the outside of the leader, opened up in the stretch and won under a hand ride in a good time.
  • Offering Plan and Ascend raced as a pair well back with the former on the outside and the latter on the inside. Offering Plan had clear running on the outside while Ascend had a little bit of traffic. Ascend ducked down to the rail and was able to close well once clear.
  • Clifton Pleasure broke awkwardly, recontacted the pack quickly, came from well back along the rail, shifted outside around the turn and closed to get the place.
  • Recepta and Ball Dancing checked badly early in the race and fell back. Recepta closed courageously to finish third
  • Wake Forest hesitated slightly at the break and settled last on the rail early, was looking for a space on the inside, almost got trapped, found a way outside in mid stretch, and flew by the field once clear.
  • Money Multiplier battled up front four lengths ahead of the main pack, stayed when the pack came to him, and held all but the winner safe.
  • Majestic Bloom was sent to the lead, held off all the challenges except the winner, and was a clear second.

May 15

  • The dirt was still favoring horses near the lead early.
  • Box Office broke in the air, lost five lengths immediately and never got into the race.
  • Rain in Spain went to the front, drifted into the place horse in the stretch near the wire, and was disqualified.

May 18

  • With the exception of the 10 furlong race, everything was won by horses on or close to the lead.
  • Star Empire dueled with Fuhrlong, took the lead out of the turn and won easily.

May 19

  • Again, the track favored horses on or near the lead in most races.
  • Dixie Kicks went right to the front, fought off a challenge around the turn, and worked hard to hold the place
  • Outzap hopped at the start, tried to rush while on the outside, made a long sustained move to get into fourth, gallantly closed and managed to finish third.
  • Slew’s Brew broke in the air, trailed early, moved up down the backstretch, and closed strongly to get third
  • Just the Zip set the hot franctions and held best of the speed horses.

May 20

  • Both surfaces seemed speed favoring
  • Drop Shot went to the front on the inside and won without being asked for his best.
  • Lutheran Miss broke well, settled in second just off the leader on the rail, took them coming out of the turn, and was far the best.
  • Lady Luciano was flanked outside the leaders, took the lead in the stretch and barely lost after a courageous drive.
  • Summer Candy broke slowly, was eight lengths out of it early, moved up along the rail, was moving well when steadied coming out of the turn, but closed willingly to finish fourth.
  • Ranger’s Express broke well, steadied soon out of the gate and was shuffled back almost to last. Eventually found a slot on the rail but couldn’t close past the winner.

May 21

  • The track seemed to play more fair today
  • The Imposter also came from far back and barely missed.
  • Paulasilverlining broke with the field, was in no rush to take the lead, dropped back two lenfths on the rail, made her move without great urging and drew away smartly
  • Disco Bill reared up out of the starting gate, fell well behind, made a move to recontact the field, but could not sustain it.

May 22

  • Speed once again dominated.
  • Dean Verdile went to the lead, ran gamely in the stretch and just lost
  • Nile Princess checked soon after the start and quickly trailed by four lengths, but rallied up the rail for third
  • Doxology was impeded most of the stretch but ran well once clear and nearly grabbed second

May 26

  • Bibbo pressed up close, took the lead in the stretch and drew away with confidence.
  • Wild Chatter broke poorly, ran well to get into contention in the stretch, looked like a winner but drifted late.

May 27

  • Speed and pressers dominated most of the day
  • Red Lodge allowed Dangerous Dan to set the early fractions, collared that one out of the turn, and drew away sharply
  • Paige was well back, closed and just missed the place
  • Appealing Miss went right to the lead, was stubborn in the stretch in fast fractions, and was easily the best of the rest.
  • Lebowski broke poorly, moved up on the rail into contention, but had nothing left for the drive.
  • Deltalina sprinted to the front, ran fast fractions but still had enough to draw away in the stretch.

May 28

  • Runaway Lute ran under mild urging, extending his lead without being pushed to win by ten.

May 29

  • Polar Axis had the lead coming out of the turn, lost it momentarily, but drove back to get the place.
  • Feeling Bossy didn’t break sharply, was well back down the backstretch, worked to the outside, took the lead in the stretch and drew away by many.

May 30

  • Eye Luv Lulu broke slowly but tried hard to just miss the place.
  • Sea Pebble rushed to the front from the rail, lost the lead to the winner, but was very game in the stretch
  • Super Allison broke in the air, rushed up the rail, but could not sustain the run.

June 2

  • Dirt seemed to favor horses on or near the pace early, but big closers won the 8th race because the pace was atomic. Turf was fair.
  • Humboldt N Frost wired a field of cheaper claimers in a fast time and without extending himself.
  • She Doesn’t Mind broke in the air, relaxed at the back of the pack, was looking for running room when the rail opened up, closing in a hard drive for the place.
  • Dynamo Flotilla was dead last by 10 entering the stretch, found a slot on the rail and made a big rush to get the place.
  • Girl Talk broke in a tangle, was behind by 10 very quickly, rushed to catch the main pack, relaxed at the end of the pack, went very wide around the turn, closed well but could not catch the winner.
  • Arch Contender broke slowly and was well behind the field, pushed to gain contact with the main pack, and was closing willingly in the stretch.
  • Caldera was last down the backstretch, started to make a move going into the far turn, was caught behind a wall of horses at the top of the stretch but found a slot inside and closed best of all.

June 3

  • On the dirt horses on or near the lead had the advantage. The turf was fair.
  • Montauk Man broke slowly, trailed early, ran on his own courage closing some ground in the stretch.
  • Strike Midnight pressed the lead and finished strongly in a very good time

June 4

  • The dirt favored horses on or near the lead, with the exception of the first race which was dominated by closers. The turf was fair.
  • Seventhfleethumor was 10 back at the top of the stretch, closed strongly to finish second by half a length.
  • All Day Lawn walked out of the gate, rushed to press the leader, but could not sustain. Finished with some courage.
  • Achnaha closed into a dawdling pace and won going away
  • Regulus broke a step slow, too a few jumps to get into stride, rushed up to press the leader, was passed in the stretch but kept on running.
  • Toughest ‘Ombree went out to a long lead on fair fractions and hung tough in the stretch, almost catching the place at 99-1

June 5

  • The dirt was mainly favoring to horses on or near the pace. The turf was fair.
  • Inca Saint steadied at the start, rushed up the rail to press the leaders, moved to mid track but could not get through down the backstretch, finally swung outside but had nothing left for the drive.
  • Day After Day went out very fast, established a clear lead in the stretch and held it all the way to the wire.
  • Papa Freud set comfortable fractions at 76-1, finished well and just missed the place.
  • Enjoy Yourself was strangled early, fighting the bit around the clubhouse turn, settled just off the leader on the rail, and had no energy left for the drive. Would have like to have seen more, but worth consideration next out.
  • Norm the Giant checked hard at the start, moved up to a tracking position, ran on well in the stretch.

June 9

  • Know It All Anna was not ready for the start and banged against the gate, losing four lengths out of the gate. She rushed into contention, getting within a length and a half of the leader, but could not sustain the drive.
  • Celtic Chaos walked out of the gate, was 12 lengths out of the lead down the backstretch, went very wide around the turn while closing, losing by four and a half.

June 10

  • Bombs Away balked at the gate, expending quite a bit of energy, went right to the front, and never looked back.
  • Saratoga Two Step, an early speed horse, broke a step slow, tried circling the field but had no energy in the stretch.
  • Kareena destroyed a field of stakes fillies in a very fast time.
  • Ferocious Tiger broke well, was up with the leader, Said No One Ever, when that one bolted causing Ferocious Tiger to take up and lose ground. He made a move around the turn but was flat in the stretch.
  • Adulator took up at the break and wound up last by six. He looked to make a move up the rail around the turn, switched outside but did not have enough to get by the leader, losing the whole thing by a diminishing two lengths.

June 11

  • Closers seemed to have a advantage on the dirt and the turf.
  • Shaman Ghost unleashed a powerful run in the stretch to thump a strong Brooklyn Field.
  • Forever Unbridled was hopelessly blocked entering the stretch, finally found space and moved outside and finished second full of run.
  • Pure Sensation won a six furlong turf race wire to wire in track record time.
  • Celstine ran a hundredth of a second off the course record in running away with the Just a Game.
  • Frosted was absolutely dominant in winning the Met Mile in excellent time without being asked for his best.
  • Flintshire was powerful in winning the Manhattan in excellent time under steady urging.

June 12

  • Miss Amalita missed the start, rushed up to take the lead, but was not able to sustain in the stretch.
  • Flying K C broke well behind the field, made a rush to make contact, made progress up the backstretch, made a strong run in the stretch but fell short to finish second.
  • Dauphine Russe was shuffled back on the the backstretch, was blocked entering the stretch, finally found a lane to run, but checked close to the wire while between horses, losing the whole thing by a neck.

June 15

  • Today seemed like a fair day, with some speed horses and some closers winning.
  • Esther the Queen tracked a very fast pace set by  Animal Appeal, looked like she might hold second in the stretch, but was swallowed late.
  • Animal Appeal set blazing fractions and finished with good energy.
  • Drama King broke inward, righted himself, settled back in last, swung widest of all for the drive and finished full of run.

June 16

  • The track was generally fair, turf and dirt, with perhaps a slight advantage to pressers and trackers.
  • Zenna pressed off a decent pace, took the lead in the stretch and ran on well.

June 17

  • Speed and pressing horses seemed to have the advantage today.
  • Manifest Destiny went right to the front, was challenged most of the way around the track but drew off strongly in the stretch, winning by seven.
  • Katie O sprinted out to the lead early, repelled challenges coming out of the turn, could not hold off the winner, but ran determinedly to the wire.
  • Toledo Eddie stumbled out of the gate, ran to the front, tracked J S Bach in second, was headed at the top of the stretch, but battled to hold the place.
  • Dontbetwithbruno checked hard out of the gate and lost all chance. He ran with interest but was no match for the top horses.

June 18

  • Both the turf and dirt were slightly favorable to speed/presser types.
  • Master Merion sprinted to the front, was collared by the eventual winner at the top of the lane and the two  continued to draw away from the field in tandem.
  • Chelios battled for the lead down the backstretch, took command entering the turn, was overtaken by the winner at the eighth pole, but continued on gamely, clearly the best of the rest.
  • Big Mara had to steady early down the backstretch, straightened out, circled the field around the turn and made a strong sustained move to win by two.
  • Super Allison walked out of the gate, made contact with the main pack quickly, and made a long sustained move to win by a head.
  • Zennor had a nice rail trip while tracking in fourth, was blocked looking for room at the eighth pole, found a seam and was outfinished by the winner.
  • Maybry’s Conquest took a clear lead, was well ahead of the field and with 100 yards to go veered into the rail and went down.

June 19

  • Generally horses on or near the pace on both turf and dirt did the best.
  • Cosmic Thunder was well back early, looked for room entering the stretch, had to swing outside but finished strongly in hand.
  • Norm the Giant got off to a slow beginning, was 12 lengths behind early, made a furious close to nab the place and was getting to the winner late.
  • Alabama Bound went right to the front, was challenged hard by Kundray in the stretch, held that one safe but was nipped by fast closing Kat Zippity.
  • Kat Zippity broke slowly, was last early, made a furious close to nail the win.

June 22

  • The dirt seemed to favor speed, the turf was kinder to closers.
  • Regulus was very wide throughout the race but looked strong closing against a wire to wire winner
  • Miss Aja Brown was rank down most of the backstretch, went wide around the turn and closed well to gain the win by the slimmest of margins.
  • Touching My Toes was in a hard battle for the lead, continued on strong, was not enough for the winner but was the best of the rest.

June 23

  • Horses on or near the lead had the advantage on the dirt and turf.
  • Imslopokerodriguez dominated a field in fast time

June 24

  • Horses on or near the lead had an advantage today on the dirt. The turf played fair.
  • Mary Pray for Us walked out of the gate but made an effort  and eventually made contact with the main pack.
  • Proud Zip was blocked through most of the stretch but closed willingly once he got clear.
  • End Play set a brisk pace, moved away in the stretch, but was caught late by a deep closing Altar Boy.
  • Take These Chains broke a step slow, lagged behind early, swung well wide on the turn and closed powerfully to get the win.
  • Half Irish set all the fractions, carried on well in the stretch, and barely missed the place

June 25

  • Both the dirt and the turf played generally fair.
  • Beneficial Risk broke poorly, made a move to contact the main pack but came up empty in the stretch
  • Kasseopia sprinted out to a clear lead on the backstretch, took a breather, was caught at the top of the stretch and faded steadily through the stretch
  • Lotta Gold tried to make a move on the inside going around the turn, had to back up, but found a lane in the stretch and closed willingly.
  • Wavell Avenue didn’t have a great amount of pace to run at, was in position to close in the stretch but couldn’t get to the winner

June 26

  • The dirt and the turf were generally fair.
  • Verve’s Tale and Opined both broke slowly. Opined tried rushing  to the front but wasn’t able to challenge the winner. Verve’s Tale rallied and was getting to the winner at the end.
  • Portando set all the fractions but was swept up by the winner in the last 16th.

 

June 30

  • On the dirt, horses on or near the lead had the advantage. On the turf it was a little more fair but still seemed to favor horses near the pace.
  • Sabrina Ballerina quickly moved to the lead, was pushed by Grassarla, but drew away smartly in the stretch in good time.
  • Ascend was last early, closed well in the stretch and into a fairly slow pace to miss by only a length.
  • Even Bette was at least 16 lengths out of the lead heading into the turn, closed steadily to be only about 11 out entering the stretch, found her best stride and flew by all by the top two to grab the place.
  • Roca Roja fought the bit hard early while being wrangled back to last, finally settled, starting moving on the far outside and closed powerfully down the stretch.

July 1

  • Once again it appeared that horses on or near the pace had an advantage.
  • Everybodyluvsrudy was well back coming into the stretch, made a very strong close to grab the second spot.
  • For Later walked out of the gate, settled in last, well behind the field, made a steady gain around the turn while widest of all, swept into the lead at the eighth pole and drew away to win by three and a half.
  • Sweetgrass allowed Piccolo Flats to go off to a long lead, caught that one just before entering the stretch, and drew away under a hand ride, finishing the final sixteenth in 6.34 seconds.
  • Now Power sprinted out to the lead, lost to a fast closing Akatea, but dug in strong to hold off the rest of the field.

July 2

  • The track seemed to be fair for the dirt, perhaps slightly favoring off the pace horses. The turf was a little kinder to the early speed types, with a mixture of winning types.
  • My Sweet Girl made a powerful close late to win the Perfect Sting.
  • Off the Tracks was a strong wire to wire winner in the Mother Goose, running the last 3/16 in 31.39 while being geared down late.

July 3

  • The dirt ran fairly. The turf seemed kind to speed, although closing horses were able to make an impact in some races.
  • Blenheim Prince was never a threat to the winner but she made up six lengths in the stretch and galloped out strongly. Might be looking for more distance.
  • Unbridled Courage took the lead soon after the start, was hooked by the 4/5 winner coming out of the turn, but never gave an inch, losing in a head bob.
  • Hot Dudette went right to the lead, repelled the challenges, but never had a chance to outfinish the winner that came from well back.

July 4

  • None of the dirt races were won wire-to-wire or by a well off the pace closer. All dirt races were won by presser types. The turf was very favorable to early speed horses, with two wire to wire winners, three early speed horses and only one that came from off the pace.
  • Bustin Hearts took the lead soon out of the gate and came within a head bob of holding off the winner in a fairly average time for the price level.
  • Encrypt broke awkwardly, was back early, circled the field, closed past the place horse but was no threat to the winner.

July 8

  • On the dirt horses on or near the pace seemed to have the advantage. The turf appeared fair.
  • Wake up in Malibu ran some fast fractions and drew away from the field.

July 9

  • The inside seemed to be the deeper going on the dirt, with rail horses finding it hard to hold leads or close. The turf seemed fine for speed, generally fair.
  • Maura’s Pass hopped at the start, was well back down the backstretch, circled the field around the turn and steadily closed by the field.
  • Adulator ran another good race, this time tracking the speed in second and closing on the less preferable inside, losing it all by a head bob.
  • Caldera made a strong close after some fairly pedestrian fractions, losing to front-runner favorite Revved Up.
  • Disco Partner almost went down to his knees at the start, wound up near the back of the pack down the backstretch, worked his way to the outside for the stretch run but didn’t quite have enough to get to the wire to wire winner.
  • Economic Model tried to close on a dead rail, but could not make headway until he switched outside, losing it all by a length and a quarter.
  • Samraat was on the inside leading until the stretch, moved slightly off the rail but could not hold off Samraat.
  • Private Zone was a little rank on the lead early, settled on the inside, but had nothing left in the stretch.

July 10

  • The turf seemed kind to front runners. On the dirt horses generally stayed a little off the rail, but horses on or near the lead did well.
  • Imperia was trapped behind horses coming into the stretch after tracking a dawdling pace, found a lane and would have won the race in another jump.

Horses to Watch Saratoga

July 24

For the most part it was not a speed favoring day. In Race 1 SEA RAVEN broke lazily to the back and motored by everyone in the stretch. The best of the speed was BEYOND EMPIRE and we’ll put him on the watch list. In the second FREUDSLAM led to the 1/8th pole before backing out. Another one we’ll put on the list given the closers bias. The third was won by a deep closer coming down the middle of the course. Same with the fourth. In the fifth, KELLY’S PRIZE went to the lead, was passed by REVERSIONTOTHEMEAN on the inside and came back while well off the rail. In the 6th JUST WICKED finished well up the rail, one of the few that made an inside run work. In the 7th THE TEA CUPS stayed the longest of the pressers and we’ll add him to the list. In the 8th it was closers mid track. In the 9th FEATHERED went to the lead and held strong in the stretch, getting nailed by one of the mid-track closers. In the 10th BIG BLUE TALENT ran to the front but tired badly. I’m not putting him on the list, but on a speed favoring track he could be interesting.

Beyond Empire

Freudslam

The Tea Cups

Feathered

July 25

In the 1st ADD FOUR missed the break and might be worth a look next out. In the 3rd DISSIDENT broke slowly. The pace was fast and SITE RED went last to first. SWAGGER JAGGER hung around best of the pace horses. In the 7th REGENT’S HOUSE was the most courageous of the speed horses. In the 9th MAGNA LIGHT shied away badly from the left hand whip of Jose Ortiz but still managed to get the victory. In the 10th three horses went out to a long early lead, and TEPIN held best of that group. In the 11th, PRAETEREO totally missed the break.

Add Four

Swagger Jagger

Regent’s House

Tepin

July 26

Speed was holding much better on Sunday. THEOPHILIA wired a field on the rail in the 1st. SKINNER BOX was the early inside speed on a moderate pace and would be negative coming back. In the 3rd FALSE POSITIVE broke slowly, trailed early, started to close, had to check and went to his knees, throwing the jockey. May be nothing or something next out. LOVE THE KITTEN went out to a long early lead, came back to the field on the backstretch, repelled a challenge, sprinted away at the top of the stretch, was finally collared and faded in a pretty fair pace. I’m inclined to give him another shot. In the 9th TWEET KITTEN looked like he had the field wired, but hit the rail in deep stretch and lost to a closer that came from last to first. In the 11th MR. MAYBE broke poorly, finished full of run.

False Positive

Love the Kitten

Tweet Kitten

Mr. Maybe

July 27

This looked like a fair day to me. In the 1st BELIEVEINFAITH fought with jockey Arroyo and lost interest. With a rider change he might be worth a look. In the 5th TIZ SO SWEET was an impressive wire to wire winner. In the 6th VISCHER FERRY bolted way wide coming out of the turn and lost all chance. In the 8th CORNER THREE broke badly but made a slight move in the stretch. Hard to tell if he’s got something or not.

Believeinfaith 

Tiz So Sweet

Vischer Ferry

Corner Three

July 29

This day was mostly fair, although speed did very well in a few races. In the 2nd BELLAMY BREW was sent hard. BET POWER pressed outside of the front runners and finished well. HANNIBAL LECTER saved ground and closed well up the rail. In the 2nd, TUNEINTOBOW broke very sharply, drew clear and then tired badly in deep stretch, barely hanging on. LA VERDAD got fairly soft fractions and easily wired the field. In the 5th THE GHOST BRIDE looked like a winner when Manny Franco was unseated in mid stretch. In the 6th WELL LAWYERED went out to a clear lead in fast fractions and barely held off SUCCESSFUL RUNNER. In the 7th MADISON BLUES went to a long early lead and held well in fair fractions. STYLE DRIFT made a nice close. In the 8th ALL OVER ME and BROTHER O”CONNELL sprinted far out in front of the field in a good pace and either one will be dangerous if they can go out by themselves. BIRCHWOOD ROAD tracked well back and finished strongly. In a slow paced race the 9th, ALL INCLUDED wore down MR ONLINE who gave way grudgingly. In the 10th NATIVE GOLD missed the break and never got into the race. REAL ESTATE RICH had all sorts of trouble down the backstretch and lost all chance.

The Ghost Bride

Madison  Blues

All Over Me

Brother O’Connell

Real Estate Rich

July 30

No horses to watch. The track was sloppy and races were off the turf.

July 31

Speed and the rail both looked good, especially on the dirt. In the 1st GREAT ATTACK saved ground and closed mid-stretch. In the 2nd it was all closers. In the 3rd BRIDGETTA had a hard duel for the lead and held on well to just miss. In the 4th SMART TRANSITION stayed off of the speed duel and won impressively. UNRIVALED missed the break and never got into the race. In the 5th GANGSTER wired a field in a fairly slow pace. In the 7th TENNESSEE wired a field impressively. In the 8th PURE SENSATION, STORMY ROCIT and NIGHT OFFICER were the first three all the way around the track. In the 9th TOUCHOFSTARQUALITY was wide on the first turn, trailed and closed on the rail for the place. MATTERHORN pressed and closed on the rail.

Bridgetta

Smart Transition

Touchofstarquality

August 1

I thought it was a mostly fair day on the dirt and the turf. In the 1st the pace was soft but the closers prevailed. In the 2nd CONQUEST NITRO and READY DANCER dueled at the front and the winner STICKSSTATELYDUDE came from the back of the pack for the win. In the 3rd WACO wired the field on a fairly quick pace. In the 4th COMING ATTRACTION pressed and closed on a fair pace. In the 5th HOLY BOSS broke sharply, settled back, and closed mid track on a fairly fast pace. Speed held up in the 6th. In the 7th MACAGONE sprinted far clear in a fast pace, faded as expected in the stretch but held on for fourth. He’s a horse to watch with a cutback in distance. The 8th was a predictable battle to the wire between ROCK FALL and THE BIG BEAST. Give THE BIG BEAST a little extra credit for still being tough after Johnny V dropped his whip. In the 9th IMAGINING covered more ground than the top horses and fell short. In the 10th TEXAS RED and FROSTED dominated the field and were next to each other at the wire. In the 11th DARK ROAST went out on a fast pace and ran on well.

Waco

Macagone

Imagining

Dark Roast

August 2

The day looked generally fair on the dirt and the turf. In the 1st TOO DISCREET wired the field while HEATED VERDICT tracked. In the 2nd RACHEL’S VALENTINA broke slowly but closed wide to win decisively. AWESOME DAME showed good speed throughout and held well. In the 3rd THIEVE’S GUILD tracked and closed for the win. In the 4th HOPE CROSS was under stout restraint early, finally relaxed down the backstretch and closed for the win. TIDE IS HIGH was caught late after setting the fractions. In the 5th FLAG ON THE PLAY showed good speed on soft fractions. MACK MILLER closed into a slow pace. In the 6th DON’T BE SO SALTY pressed from the rail. In the 7th SPACE ODDITY closed for the win. BUGLE BLUES showed good speed and held well to the wire. In the 8th SO NOTED made a big close and just nailed GIANTINTHEMOONLIGHT who led every step of the way until the wire. In the 9th SATURDAY’S CHARM made a big close on a fast pace and drew away impressively. In the SHUVEE the two stars dueled in the stretch with STOPCHARGINGMARIA putting away UNTAPPABLE. In the 10th SCRUMPDILICIOUS tracked in second and finished well for the win.

Awesome Dame

Tide is High

Bugle Blues

Giantinthemoonlight

August 3

The day looked generally fair.  There were dominant speed horses but a lot of deep closers that did very well. In the 1st CRYPTIC COMET had the lead, was challenged but held well on the rail. ENDURING TOUCH made a big close for the place. In the 2nd CELESTIAL SIGHTING was mid-pack and closed well for the win. SOPHIA’s CHOICE broke sharply but was disappointing. In the 4th EUROS TO DOLLARS showed speed and finished well. DETTIFOSS closed from well back for the place. In the 6th HINDER went wire to wire. In the 7th longshot GOODTOLOOK took the lead drew out and won without any threat. RUNAWAY POSSE and ICED OVER came from well back to get the place and show. In the 8th GREEN GRATTO showed good speed and almost held, losing a neck. DEN’S LEGACY made a big close to get by the place horse. In the 9th LADY SHIPMAN wired the field in a fast time. In the 10th SARATIAGO pressed but couldn’t hold the top spot in the stretch. ACCELEBRATE made a big close for the win.

Goodtolook

Green Gratto

Lady Shipman

August 5

In the second WEALTH TO ME broke poorly but given his class overpowered the field. MY ADONIS came from well out to catch the place. PETROCELLI set a hot pace at the mile and an eighth and courageously hung on for third. In the 3rd  WIND WARNING broke poorly, closed well and lost by a slim margin. GOT WINDED closed well for the win. RIVER KNIGHT was with the front runners and just missed. In the 4th HIRSHBEIN broke on his knees and never got into the race. SEND IT IN and SUPER PSYCHE tracked and finished together. In the 5th DENDRITE checked hard a few jumps into the race and lost all chance. DECENT broke smartly, tracked and closed for the win. In the 6th BIGGER PICTURE sprinted out to a big lead on the backstretch and bolted on the turn. ABTAAL saved ground the whole race and closed on the rail to win. In the 7th EXCUSE MY FRENCH wired the field in strong fractions and was never asked for his best. In the 8th GRANNY MC’S KITTEN pressed and drew away for the win. CRISOLIES saved ground on the backstretch and closed mid-track for the place. In the 9th UNBRIDLED FOTUNE closed stoutly in the stretch for the win. STONETASTIC ran to the front and nearly hung on. In the 10th DAVID ROCKS wired the field in fair time. ALEANDER finished best of all to nab the place. PIN AND WIN was making a strong move up the rail when shut off. He continued well after losing all chance.

Petrocelli

Wind Warning

Excuse My French

Pin and Win

August 6

The dirt and turf were generally fair, although the closers may have had a slight advantage.  In the 2nd SO GOOD TO GO led on soft fractions, drifted stretch, rgained stride and pulled away. LOTSA NOODLES tracked on the rail and come up empty when asked to drive. In the 3rd CALL ME STONEY rushed outside and worked hard to get the lead but tired slightly late. LOUIE’S LUCK came from nowhere late to run down everyone. In the 4th MAGSAMELIA led until late. AVE’S HALO wore that one down. In the 5th WHAT’S UP BIG GUY missed the break, trailed badly early, made a mid-race move and retreated again. I’m going to put him on the list. IGOTTHEDISCOINME saved ground while pressing and drew off in the stretch. In the 6th MESSI was in no rush early, kept the front runners in sight while under a snug hold, and made a powerful move while in hand. In the 7th LANA’S FORTUNE went very wide first turn, pressed on the back stretch, was wide on the far turn, kept running and faded in the stretch. ROBE closed powerfully for the win. In the 8th MOM’Z LAUGH broke well, tracked in second, led stretch and looked comfortable to the wire. In the 9th READY FOR RYE tracked on the rail, swung wide for the drive and closed well in the stretch. In the 10th SUMMER DANCER was very wide all the way and lost all chance. U.S.S. DOYLE was tracked mid-pack and closed well.

Messi

What’s Up Big Guy

Lana’s Fortune

August 7

The dirt seemed to favor the speed a bit and the turf favored closers. In the 1st BERT STONE broke on top, settled in second, and prevailed in a long drive with OLDWICK. RUBY’S ROCKETMAN came from well back for the show. In the 2nd TOM’S VISION was in no hurry early, and came from far back to close for the win. DUSK TO DAWN went out to a clear lead with SUNNY AFTERNOON a clear second and both backed out badly. In the 3rd ROMAN FIRE had the lead most of the way with MARINE ONE right on his tail, with the latter prevailing in a long stretch drive. In the 4th all the top horses came from well back with WATERSHED prevailing easily. In the 5th the speed folded badly and all the top three came from well back. In the 6th SHE’S ALL READY gained the front early and drew away impressively. PERFECT TITLE came from dead last for the win. The next two came from mid pack. RIVIERE DU LOUP set the fractions and finished best of the speed horses. HARP N HALO sprinted to the front from the far outside and held on well. In the 9th TAKEOVER TARGET pressed on the rail and closed for the win. In the 10th all the horses came from mid pack to get the top three spots. WELL COMPOSED was somewhat rank, pulling to the lead and fighting with Manny Franco down the backstretch.

Roman Fire

Marine One

She’s All Ready

Riviere du Loup

Harp N Halo

Well Composed

August 8

It was a generally fair day with a mix of speed horses and closers. In the 1st BARRISTER JIM set a good pace and faded in the stretch. LOOKING COOL came from far out of it for the win. MAIL pressed and finished well. In the 2nd MONSTER BEA took the early lead, went a bit wide on the turn, but closed by MATT KING COAL for the win. The latter took the lead in the stretch but clearly tired. CONQUEST WINDYCITY closed from mid pack. In the 3rd ECONOMIC MODEL settled into third early, closed by the front runners for the win. SET THE TRAPPE had good speed and couldn’t hold. In the 4th UNDER CONTROL closed outside for the win and didn’t look all out doing it. In the 5th, ZENNOR wired the field while the 2nd and 3rd place finishers pressed and closed. In the 6th JUBA showed good speed, finished 2nd but was DQ’d for interfering with SASSICAIA in the stretch. It was a marginal call in my opinion. TAKAJO pressed and closed for the win. In the 7th DARING KATHY set a fast pace and the top three horses all came from well out of it. In the 8th BAR OF GOLD pressed close to the leader and just missed. CAVORTING was well back and closed strongly for the win. In the 9th LIAM’S MAP showed good speed, drew away in the stretch, but was nipped at the wire by HONOR CODE. In the 11th SLAM CHOWDER showed good speed and held on well through the stretch. BELLA KATERI closed for the win.

Under Control

Bar of Gold

Liam’s Map

Slam Chowder

August 9

Speed seemed to have a slight advantage but there were some deep closers. Generally a fair day. In the 1st AWESOME RIDE wired the field while being challenged. REAL ESTATE RICH made a nice close for third. In the 2nd HARMONIZE led most of the way. THRILLED was mid-pack and closed on the rail. The posted fractions were wrong. TRAKUS had the fractions as 23.15, 48.43, 113.19, 136.51, 142.43. In the 3rd HUSH NOW tracked outside the front runners and stay wide for the drive. PINK FREUD LIVE closed from well back for the win. In the 4th HARTFORD saved all the ground and closed on the inside. DAYS OF FURY led most of the way and held well in the stretch. In the 5th BURNDINES broke sharply to the lead and wired the field in a decent pace. BREVARD and SHINOBI both came from well back for the next two positions. In the 6th CONSTELLATION and J LA TACHEwent head to head while well in front of the others and the former pulled away in the stretch. In the 7th AWESOME NEWS bolted to the front and stayed there. MYFOURCHIX and MY SUPER NOVA pressed and closed for the next two spots. In the 8th the winners came from well back. OFFERING PLAN closed best of all with power to spare. ISLAND THERAPY broke behind the field, went to the rail and closed stoutly fo the place. SIR MAURICE was steadied and shuffled back. In the 9th BAY OF PLENTY went to a long early lead and won comfortably. MYLUTE broke behind and went to the rail, closing well for place. In the 10th GREYWALLS sprinted to the front from the outside and held on well for the win. TAPITRY tracked in 4th and closed for second. UNBRIDLED SONYA and FROSTY FRIDAY both went very wide on the clubhouse turn and never got into the race. In the 11th WATCHYOUROWNBOBBER pressed and closed while stablemate CROWN THE KITTEN came from well back.

Burndines

Constellation

Awesome News 

Bay of Plenty

August 10

The dirt seemed speed favoring while the turf routes were won by closers. In the 1st NO ENTIENDO went directly to the lead and wired the field. MIND YOUR BISCUITS was well back and made a good close. In the 2nd INDYCOTT saved ground and closed well in the stretch. ABRAHAM pressed in second outside of the leader and gave way to the winner grudgingly. In the 3rd COORDINATE came from well out of it and closed mid track. TIZ TIME TO SHAKE was also well back and closed for second. In the 4th ONE SIDED pressed a slow pace in third and got by BELLAMY WAY in the stretch. The latter led most of the way and continued stubbornly. In the 5th REACH FOR YIELD was mid pack early, saved ground, and closed quickly in the last 16th. LATE NIGHT MARK went to the lead, stayed  inside, drew off in the stretch and tired late. In the 6th NECK OF THE MOON pressed inside and CAPRIANA pressed from third. MAURA’S PASS steadied around the clubhouse turn but showed interest throughout, finishing mid pack at the end. PORVOO tried to move through on the inside down the backstretch and lost all interest when stymied. In the 7th ROYAL ASSET went to the front and outfinished POSSILICIOUS. The latter saved ground while pressing, took the lead in the stretch, and hung tough to the end. In the 8th EX EX EX went right to the front and drew away impressively. AMAZING ANNE made a good close for the place. PAYMENT TERMS and POSSESSED both went very wide around the clubhouse turn and lost all chance. In the 9th AUSSIE PRAYER was mid pack early and ran down SANFIERE in the stretch. The latter showed good speed on a quick pace and stayed well in the stretch.

Mind Your Biscuits

Abraham

Maura’s Pass

Ex Ex Ex

August 12

The day had a mixture of speed and closing horses on the dirt. The turf was more favoring the closers. In the 2nd BENNY’S BULLET went to the front and held on well while on the rail. The winner SUN AND MOON pressed in no hurry and finished well. In the 3rd LADY DAPHNE jumped to the lead and drew away. In the 4th ALEX THE TERROR went to the front on a quick pace and ran on well in the stretch. MR. ROMANCE closed in the stretch and barely caught the leader. In the 5th BIG THRILL was far back after breaking slowly and closed strongly on the inside to win easily. In the 6th MARVINO tracked early getting a good spot and prevailed in a long drive in the stretch. SIR MACHO and FOXHALL DRIVE dueled on a quick pace with the latter almost prevailing over the winner. In the 7th NON FINEISCE MAI sprinted to the front on a quick pace and was swallowed in the stretch. RUMBLE DOLL and SISTER SOPHIA closed as a pair with the former winning by the slimmest of margins. In the 8th REGARDEZ came from dead last to win. RADIATION set strong fractions and barely missed holding the place. CHOCOLATIER pressed and outfinished the third place horse. EGYPTIAN MAGIC sprinted up from the outside, pressed the pace and drew away in the stretch. MAMA’S RED HOT came from far back and KITTEN’S ANGEL from mid-pack to finish in the next two positions.

Big Thrill

Foxhall Drive

Radiation 

Egyptian Magic

August 13

Maybe a little speed favoring, but plenty of closers showed well. In the 2nd JULIE D sprinted to the lead, was collared by AUTUMN SQUALL in the stretch but quickly pulled away to the wire. In the 3rd SALSA DOG broke in the air. SPEIGHTSTOWN TIME battled outside BATTLE RED and put that one away in the stretch. In the 4th MRS. SUNDAY broke poorly and stayed dead last. DELIGHTFUL ERIN had the lead in the stretch but was run down. HARLAN’s BELLE had the lead but was nipped late by BREACH OF DUTY who saved ground and pulled outside in the stretch. In the 5th IROQUOIS GIRL missed the break but made a good close to finish third. SPARK took off to the front, led in the stretch but tired to run 4th. SPECTACULAR ME came from mid-stretch for the win. In the 6th MOHAWK LILY broke sharply, led to the stretch but tired in the stretch. KACY LAUREN come from well back on the outside for the win. TEN PENNY PRINCESS saved ground while mid-pack, closed on the inside but couldn’t hold off the winner. In the 7th JET MAJESTY broke best, led until late and held the place. JUST GOT OUT would not settle down in the backstretch and lost all chance. MEI LING tracked and closed strongly for the win. In the 8th ELROI broke right to the rear, closed some late. AMERICA’S GUEST took the lead but couldn’t hold off the top two. BLARP was mid-pack and closed strongly fo rthe win. In the 9th FREUDIE ANNE went to the front and drew away from the field in the stretch. In the 10th CALL DADDY dueled at the front four wide and powered home in the stretch. ALAAPATIQUE led on the rail and was best of the rest.

Iroquois Girl

Just Got Out

Freudie Anne

August 14

Another day where it seemed speed had the advantage but plenty of closers looked strong. In the 1st ROCKFORD dueled with GROUND FORCE and outfinished him. SANDCAT stumbled out of the gate, tried to rush to the lead but faded steadily out of it. In the 2nd ANNA RAE broke mid pack, found her way to the rail where she was in tight at times, found her way outside and demolished the field in the stretch. In the 3rd IN HASTE lagged early and charged down the center of the track impressively. In the 4th WICKED FREUD tracked mid pack and closed outside, barely prevailing. FRISKY MAGICIAN took the early lead, led to the stretch and hung tough. In the 5th SUMMERSAULT stayed mid-pack on the rail, shot through an opening on the inside and pulled away. In the 6th LOCKER ROOM GUY took the lead but couldn’t hold. MONEYINYOUR POCKET pressed close up, fought back after MR. PALMER swept up to the lead coming out of the turn, and inched away to the wire. In the 7th QUEENOFZEENILE sprinted up from the far outside, pressed in second and outfinished the field. WILLOW U had the lead, battled with the winner in the stretch but didn’t have enough. In the 8th CONQUEST SUPERSTEP went right to the lead, set easy fractions and drew away. In the 9th SANTIERO ITALIA tracked in fourth and drove hard for the win. In the 10th CONGRESS PARK set an easy pace and was just nipped. KATHY’S HUMOR tracked and was all out for the win.

Sandcat

Anna Rae

Frisky Magician

August 15

Pressers and closers seemed to have the advantage on both surfaces. In the 1st SNOW BOUND broke smartly an dueled with BLAME IT ON BROOKLYN and narrowly missed the place. SALLISAW pressed in third and wore down the next two.  In the 2nd ADIRONDACK DANCER went to the lead, dueled with BAM BAM five lengths in front of the others and slowly put that one away. WHERE’S DANNY was a beat slow at the break. In the 3rd PROFESSOR ZOOM was second last on the rail, sung outside and outclosed DALMORE. The latter pressed and found an opening on the rail, closing well. In the 4th KANDOO and DELICATE LADY were both slow out of the gate. JUST WICKED broke sharply, moved up around the turn, and outfinished TONASAH. The latter led most of the way and gave ground grudgingly. In the 5th ENGLISH MINISTER pressed outside SKY HERO on a slow pace and outclosed that one. In the 6th, BACKWOOD BOY was well back early, swung wide for the drive and closed best of all. ROCK GARDEN pressed outside and outfinished all bu the winner. In the 7th ESCAPIST flew to the front and was never headed. THE COMMISH pressed but was no match for the winner. BAJAN SUMMER came from mid-pack. In the 8th MUTIN settled well back while staying in the clear outside and closed stoutly. HOLLYWOOD IDOL pressed, too the lead entering the stretch, but couldn’t hold off the top two. CANDIR finished second closing well late but was DQ’d for coming out late. In the 9th, KIROV was well wide while running mid pack and closed to run comfortably. MAYLA followed the winner around the track. MISS COBBLESTONE came from the clouds to almost get the place. In the 10th GRAND ARCH broke well and pressed along the rail, outfinishing the field. KING KREESA had no excuse. IRONICUS was very wide and made the best close of all. MSHAWISH was closing well when he ran out of clear running space. In the 11th ALEANDER broke well, tracked and was all out to win by the slimmest of margins. INDIANA STONES pressed DEFICIT HAWK earned the lead, couldn’t hold off the winner, but was best of the rest.

Escapist

Miss Cobblestone

Ironicus

Mshawish

Indiana Stones

August 16

The dirt appeared mostly fair, perhaps a little kinder to speed. The turf seemed to be more favoring to closers. In the 1st ANDALUSITE  settled six lengths off the pace early, moved up on the backstretch and outfinished MALIBU PREACHER. The latter also settled well back and couldn’t finish with the winner. BRITTANIA’S MOAT led most of the way under pressure and could not hold off the top two. In the 2nd BENNY IS A JET sprinted clear out of the gate and wired the field. STAY TUNED went wide and outfinished OGERMEISTER who was closest to the winner throughout. In the 3rd DRAMA KING settled off the pace and closed widest of all. In the 4th AZAR broke quickly, went to the front, opened up in the stretch but could not hold off the winner, UNBRIDLED DADDY. That one was dead last and made a late move to get by the place horse.  In the 5th MR. MAYBE broked a beat slow, was dead last, closed well in the stretch but was no match for the winner. MISSION DRIVEN threaded through horses from the back and outfinished the winner. ROSS J DAWG earned the front out of the turn after tracking UNCHARTED COURSE and almost held off the winner. In the 6th TAP TO IT broke a step slow, steadied on the rail,, weaved outside and closed confidently. QUEEN CAROLINE broke slow and trailed early, made a premature run to get into the race on the backstretch, could not sustain and faded under no urging. SHAYNA LADY tracked, went to the front in the stretch, opened up three lengths in the stretch but could not hold off the winner. In the 7th CATMANCAN went right to the front, held off the challengers, but was no match for the winner. FUNDAMENTAL settled five lengths off the lead in fourth, closed up the rail and outfinished the place horse. In the 8th MAGICAL MISS broke slowly, tried to rush up the outside, was hung wide on the turn, tracked in third but couldn’t sustain. C d’CAT pressed mid-track and picked up the pieces. ACK NAUGHTY was seven lengths off early, closed powerfully and drew off by five. In the 9th EXAGGERATOR broke a beat slow, settled in last, closed inside and outfinished SARATOGA MISCHIEF. That one pressed outside, forged a narrow lead but couldn’t hold off the winner. In the 10th SILKY GIRL sprinted right to the front and was never headed. WEDDING DRESS pressed in third, closed up the rail and was getting to the winner late. GREY STARK broke slowly and lost all chance.

Benny is a Jet

Colorado Grandslam

Azar

Mr. Maybe

Ross J Dawg

Tap To It

Magical Miss

Ack Naughty

Grey Stark

August 17

In the 2nd BELLAMY BREW went right the front in fair fractions and was never headed. FIRST BID tracked in second but was no match for the winner. In the 3rd PRIVATELY SPEAKING dueled at the front wth LIVE LOVE LAUGH, put that one away entering the stretch and continued gamely to just miss getting it all. SWEETPOLLYPUREBRED closed furiously in the last 16th and prevailed by the slimmest of margins. BOSSY pressed just behind the leaders, wore down PRIVATELY SPEAKING and was barely caught. DULCIFY broke a step slow. In the 4th SHOPAHOLIC went to the front, dueled with GREGG’S BEAUTY, put that one away, repelled a challenge from FERZETTI and drew away. FERZETTI closed up the rail but was no match for the winner. KISSES FOR ROMEO tracked outside in third, loomed threateningly at the top of the stretch but was empty in the drive. In the 5th STEVE’S IMAGE took a hard left a few jumps out of the gate, losing the jockey. YUMMY BEAR broke slowly. PAGAN tracked just behind the leaders, rallied in the stretch and outfinished STORMIN STEPHEN. The latter pressed the leader in second, took the lead entering the stretch, shied from the left hand whip causing him to veer to the outside, eventually straightened, drifted back toward the rail under right hand whipping but couldn’t hold the winner safe. In the 6th SACRED SUCCESS jumped to the front, was tiring late but held on for the win. SCATAWAY closed mid track, was getting to the winner but ran out of room. In the 7th UNION RIVER broke lazily, trailed early and prevailed in a sustained drive.REVEREND GREEN chased in second on a good pace, took the lead but couldn’t keep the top two at bay. FAIR ADVANTAGE tried running with the winner but was not good enough. In the 8th CORNER THREE tracked comfortably in second and drew away impressively. SMILING SUNDAE tracked in third and held the place. In the 9th HOT STONES rushed from the outside, sat second early and drew away in sharp fashion. In the 10th PLUNDERING pressed in second, took the lead in the stretch, was no match for the winner but was best of the rest. CODY’S NOTES came from well back to fly by the place horse and win by two.

Reverend Green

Hot Stones

Plundering

August 19

Overall seemed like a fair day. As has been the case, the closers seemed to have the advantage on the turf. In the 2nd, The Undersheriff broked poorly, rushed up but quickly backed out. May be worth watching. Inside Straight went to the front and overpowered the field. In the 3rd Simple Surprise broke well, settled just off the pace, closed mid-track and won comfortably. Laxfield Road sprinted to the lead, looked to be hard to relax and green, and lost energy by mid-stretch. In the 4th Lemon Song pressed outside, closed willingly, and drew off powerfully. Bargaining Table closed from the back of a close knit pack but was no match for the winner.  In the 5th Manhattan Dan went right to the front, was never headed and won comfortably by four. Gametown closed from dead last but was no danger to the winner. In the 6th Street Babe went very wide, stayed wide mid-pack and closed. Noble Moon pressed close, took the lead entering the stretch but could not hold the winner safe. In the 7th Get Jets broke smartly, stayed on the rail while well back, closed mid-track and went away powerfully. Love That Jazz went to the front, repelled the challengers, couldn’t hold off the winner but was far the best of the rest. In the 8th Morethanawarning broke well but was strained to the back of the pack. Was clear outside in the stretch and closed strongly. Sylvia T pressed outside in third and showed courage in the stretch to hold the place. In the 9th Trophee was well back early, gained position outside first time through the stretch, made his move coming out of the turn and closed well. Gotachancetodance settled just off the leaders, too the lead entering the stretch, dug in when the winner came up on her and missed by a narrow margin. In the 10th, American Creed pushed to the lead, held the field at bay and drew clear. Groupthink pressed outside mid-pack and outfinished the rest of the field.

The Undersheriff

Governor Malibu

Laxfield

Manhattan Dan

Get Jets

Sylvia T

August 20

The day looked generally fair. Closers still had the advantage on the turf.  In the 1st PUSHME PULLYOU pressed just off the leader along with WEEKEND SCORE. SAMBROOK had the lead early drawing away from the field. PUSHME PULLYOU wrested the lead away at the top of the stretch, WEEKEND SCORE came up on her mid-stretch and they drove to the wire as a pair. In the 2nd EASTBAY LODGE broke to the back of the pack, closed steadily and wore down the leader. BARTON HOLT went to the lead and kicked away in the stretch but could not hold off the winner. PILOTING went to the lead, MONEY CHANGER hooked him at the top of the stretch and they dueled as an inseparable pair to the wire with the former prevailing by the slimmest of margins. In the 4th OUR INDEPENDENCE was mid-pack early, took the lead entering the stretch and drew away. BOLD RUNNER ran with the leader, closed by that one mid-stretch and held off the others for the place. In the 5th TIZTALENTED settled mid-pack early, moved up some on the backstretch, took the lead at the top of the stretch and drew away powerfully. ELATED was toward the rear and picked up the pieces for second. In the 6th ROYAL POSSE pressed the leader and drew off in the stretch. READ THE BYLINE had the lead, couldn’t go with the winner but held the others safe for the place. In the 7th, CHINCHILLA DUST tracked behind the leader. START WITH SILVER took the lead entering the stretch, got hooked by CHINCHILLA DUST and they dueled as a pair to the wire with the latter prevailing. HEAD SHRINKER bumped at the start, checked hard and dropped to last finishing well behind. In the 8th FINANCIAL MODELING went to the front, settled in 2nd on a slow pace, dropped back on the backstretch, but found his best stride late and drove for the win. UNBRIDLED JUAN tracked in 3rd early, moved up with the lead pack, led mid-stretch but couldn’t hold off the winner. In the 9th TRICKY ZIPPY broke well, pressed the leader, took the lead in the stretch and was much the best. WILLET was well back early, moved around the turn but was no match for the winner. In the 10th FAIR POINT broke smartly, settled mid-pack outside, closed past a tiring leader. FOLK SONG opened up in the stretch but could not hold off the winner.

Head Shrinker

Tiztalented

August 21

Muddy track and races off the turf so no horses to watch today.

Dannie’s Deceiver

August 22

The day seemed to be divided into two parts. The first part of the day heavily favored closers on both the turf and the dirt. By the end of the day speed was holding up better. In the 1st RUN A DUBB DUBB pressed outside behind the leaders and closed for the win. TOUCHING MY TOES dueled with BRIDGETTA, held well into the stretch, and did well to get the place. In the 2nd VINCEREMOS went to the lead on soft fractions but couldn’t hold. MIDNIGHT NOTES pressed outside, found a gear in the stretch but could not keep the winner at bay. DREAMS CUT SHORT was well back early, swung wide around the turn and closed hard to get the win. In the 3rd EL VIEJO VERDE and TAKEDOWN CHARLIE were both a beat slow out of the gate. EL VIEJO VERDE rushed to the front after the slow start but was done after a half. SIDEARM and WATERGATE trailed early and closed through the stretch to get the first two slots. DAVID ROCKS broke on top, took the lead at the top of the stretch, drifted out under a left hand whip causing interference with GIANTINTHEMOONLITE but continued to try to the wire, In the 4th MAY FLOWERS came from dead last, swung wide out of the turn and closed strongly. SWAGGY pressed, took the lead in the stretch but couldn’t hold off the winner. In the 5th NOTORIOUS was well back early, swung wide for the drive and closed best of all. In the 6th ISOTHERM broke well, tracked five lengths off the pace, moved up down the boackstretch, battled with LIFE IMITATES ART through the stretch and barely prevailed. LIFE IMITATES ART went right to the front and grudgingly gave way in the stretch. HUNTER O’RILEY was dead last and out of contact with the field, went very wide around the turn and closed impressively, almost getting to the first two from far back. In the 7th SHORE RUNNER was last in a tight knit pack of five, worked his way outside in the stretch and closed well. In the 8th SHEIKH OF SHEIKHS broke well, rushed to the front and drew away powerfully in th stretch. In the 9th PERFECT TITLE broke slowly, dove right to the rail, settled dead last, circled the field around the turn, continued with the drive in the stretch and won by a length and a half. In the 10th EMBELLISH THE LACE went right to the front, set easy fractions, and held off the closers. I’M A CHATTERBOX pressed three lengths off the leader and closed well but could not get to the winner. In the 11th ZEEZEE ZOOMZOOM went right to the front and was never headed.

El Viejo Verde

David Rocks

Life Imitates Art

Hunter O’Riley

Sheikh of Sheikhs

I’m a Chatterbox

August 23

Definitely looked like pressers/closers had a more favorable time today. In the 1st KATE IS A TEN retreated near the back of the field, closed up the rail and outfinished PERFECT FREUD. The latter went to the front, lost the lead on the backstretch, retook the lead out of the turn but couldn’t hold off the winner. In the 2nd MIZZ TUTU broke a beat slow and lost contact with the field, never making a move. TIN TYPE GAL broke well, pressed on the rail and outfinished REBELLE. That one went right to the lead, was hooked by the winner, repelled that one once but ultimately couldn’t hold that one off. In the 3rd TOWERING MOON broke behind the others, circled and closed for the victory. CLEANCUT KID pressed on the rail and closed late for the place. In the 4th JACK O’LIAM sprinted to the front, dueled with BESSIE’S BOY, put that one away at the top of the lane, got hooked by POWER NAP and bested him in a long drive. The latter rode the rail, came to the leaders but could not prevail. In the 5th S’MAVERLOUS pressed outside, came up to ONE MORE NIGHT at the top of the stretch and drew away without being asked for his best. In the 6th BUGLE BLUES went right for the lead, dueled and pulled away in the stretch. TALLEDEGA trailed early, swept by almost the entire field down the backstretch, settled just off the leader, couldn’t catch that one but was the best of the rest. In the 7th SCATCAPADE settled behind the dueling leaders, swung outside for the drive, and outfinished LADY OF VICTORY. That one trailed early, closed some in the stretch, but couldn’t get by the winner. In the 8th, WIDTH checked slightly at the break, swung wide for the drive and drew away at will. TRUE PLEASURE tracked on the rail, finished best of the rest. In the 9th GREAT DANCER trailed the field early, made up ground on the rail, swung wide and closed powerfully. TEAM COLORS, also well back early, moved earlier than the winner and could not hold that one off. In the 10th STALLWALKER DUDE went to the front, settled back, circled around the outside, and was all out to get the win. SCARLY CHARLY was close up early, dueled down the stretch but couldn’t fend off the winner, losing by a narrow margin. In the 11th STROLL ON DOWN  was mid-pack early, went wide around the turn and closed well for the win. PINE RIDGE FOREST led most of the way, drifted badly in the stretch, regained stride and was closing on the winner.

Jack O’Liam

S’Maverlous

Talledega

Width

Pine Ridge Forest

August 24

The track was still most favorable to the presser/closers.  In the 1st FROSTY MARGARITA broke smartly, tracked outside the leaders, was mid-track in the stretch and wore down GREGORIAN GOLD. The latter went to the front, repelled all challenges, could not hold off the winner but was best of the rest. In the 2nd THOMAS HILL went to the front, was challenged by MAKE MY SUNDAY, dueled with that one on the backstretch, put him away entering the stretch and held off the closers. GREAT ATTACK broke well, pressed on the rail, and closed down the stretch. In the 3rd PARIS BIKINI tracked in second, sprinted to the front out of the turn, continued strongly but was nipped at the wire by CALLISTA. That one broke on top, settled well back, circled the field and closed strongly to barely get up. In the 4th STONEHEARTEDLOVER broke slowly, rushed up, settled in 4th, but was empty in the stretch. SHOTGUN LOVE pressed in second and drew away powerfully in the stretch. GLASS ICE led to the stretch and was well the best of the rest. In the 5th MY SWEET GIRL tracked just off the pace in second, put it in gear around the turn, came across slightly in the stretch keeping COURAGEISAMAJORITY from sustaining his close, and finished with energy. TAPITRY settled at the back of the pack, closed steadily in the stretch in tandem with DATING LADY LUCK and just missed in a very tight three horse photo. In the 6th JESS’S DREAM was dead last early, came from far back in the stretch and ran by the field in an impressive close. SECURITIZ pressed mid-pack, wrested the lead away but could not reach the wire ahead of the winner. In the 7th SPECIAL SELECTION went to a clear early lead but could not sustain. READ THE PROSPECTUS was mid-pack early, picked his way through horses, was clear on the stretch and sprinted away by two. MAKE A DECISION was far back early, found a slot and closed to nab the place. In the 8th CATCH MY DRIFT was well off the leaders in third down the backstretch, came up on them at the top of the stretch and drew away by 7. TIZ SO SWEET went to a long early lead along with HOLIDAY’S JEWEL who pushed that one along. Was no match for the winner but was far the best of the rest. In the 9th CONFESSA came from well back and closed powerfully to win off by three. SUGAR MAGS was also well back, closed up the rail to nail the place. COSMIC TALE went to the lead dueling with longshot SHEEPISH, sprinted away in the stretch, was all out but could not hold off the top two.

Stoneheartedlover

Jess’s Dream

Securitiz

Tiz So Sweet

Cosmic Tale

August 26

Overall the day seemed to favor pressers and closers. In the 1st KEEP BUSTIN was off a beat slow. UNREPENTED went to the front and drew away in the stretch. COLONEL JUANITA press on the winner’s flank, could not stay with the winner but was the best of the rest. In the 2nd OUTSIDE ART tracked just off the leaders, slipped through an opening inside and drew away. ORZO was last into the stretch and came with a rush past the field for the place. In the 3rd STEVE’S IMAGE went right to the front and drew away without being asked for his best. LINKAPPLEYARD pressed the leader but was no match. In the 4th FIT TO KEEP broke a beat slow. WHO’S Z DADDY came from well back and closed strongly in the stretch. LIMERICK LIGHTNING was dead last, moved up on the rail but could not go with the winner. In the 5th DOWSE’s BEACH settled mid pack, had clear running in the stretch and wore down SANDY’Z SLEW. That one settled off the pack in second, drive to the lead but could not hold off the winner. In the 6th TOTAL JOINT settled three back on the rail, swung wide for the drive and wore down TAPITSPHERE. That one went right to the front on fiar fractions, led into the stretch, could not hold off the winner but was the best of the rest. In the 7th COMPLIANCE OFFICER stayed four of the leader on the rail and closed to snag the place. LUCKY KITTEN went to the lead and drew away in the stretch. In the 8th WAVELL AVENUE stayed behind the leaders, found space and barely edged SWEET WHISKEY. That one went to the front right away, drew off under hand urging, went to a drive but couldn’t keep the winner at bay.  In the 9th DA BIG HOSS sat well off the early pace, moved around the final turn, found another gear in the stretch and won comfortably. HOLIDAY STAR was mid-pack early, moved wide into the stretch, drifted slightly, but was easily second best. In the 10th ARANA was well back early after breaking a beat slow, advanced through the pack on the backstretch, closed up the fence and slowly pulled away. POINTE CLASS bobbled at the break, tracked in fourth five lengths behind the leaders, swung wide for the drive but could not outfinish the winner.

Unrepented

Orzo

Steve’s Image

Tapitsphere

Lucky Kitten

August 27

Another day where it looked like speed was more advantageous early in the card and later the races were going to pressers and closers. In the 2nd ROMAN REIGN stayed at the back of the pack three wide, angled wide into the stretch, worked hard in the stretch and barely prevailed. DUNN LISTENING broke in the air, was just off the leader down the backstretch, found the lead in the last 16th but could not outfinish the winner. In the 3rd CALL ME STONEY battled with APACHE WARRIOR most of the way around the track, put that one away near the wire and drew out. APACHE WARRIOR bumped out of the gate, set the early fractions, dueled with the winner but could not stay with that one to the wire. In the 4th WOMEN WIN broke sharply, dueled briefly early with KELLYESQUE, was never headed and drew away by two. STONE SUPPLIER saved ground mid-pack and managed to close for the place. In the 5th, DYNAMITE STICK pressed POLAR AXIS early, swung wide into the stretch and slowly drew clear. The latter could not hold off the winner but bested the rest. In the 6th UNBRIDLED OCEAN was last early, rolled four wide into the stretch, was driven hard to the wire and narrowly prevailed. MR. ONLINE was just off the leader early, stayed in the two path coming out of the far turn, battled with the winner and third place horse in the land but could not get up. In the 7th DOT PRODUCT broke well, tracked the leaders mid pack, moved well entering the stretch, hooked up with NO TUNES and outfinished him to the wire. NO TUNES was well back early, started moving around the turn, swung well wide entering the stretch, caught DOT PRODUCT and raced as a pair with that one in the last 16th but could not get by. In the 8th STORMY REGATTA pressed just off the front runners, swung wide for the drive and dueld with the next two horses, prevailing by the slimmest of margins. PARTISAN POLITICS was wide while tracking mid pack, started moving coming out of the turn, angled wide in the stretch and found the place in a very close three horse photo. In the 9th BIG FAMILY was well back early, went widest of all into the stretch and prevailed in the drive. THE BIG DELUXE was second last early, started moving around the turn, closed mid-track but could not outfinish the winner. In the 10th PROLETARIAT was toward the back of the field, oved into third five lengths back down the vackstretch, and rolled by everyone mid-track to win by four and a half. RICH DALONE broke slow after hitting the gate, settled far back, made a move around the turn and closed to just nail the place.

Dunn Listening

Women Win

Mr. Online

Rich Dalone

August 28

The turf has been favoring closers lately, but the dirt seemed fair. In the first SUDDEN SURPRISE dueled up front with NO ENTIENDO, lost that one around the turn, drove to the lead in the stretch and kicked away, holding MANIPULATED safe. That one was just behind the leading pack, moved around the turn, could not get to the winner but was best of the rest. In the 2nd, *FOREVER IN LOVE went right to the front, stretched his lead on the backstretch on a soft first fraction, was challenged at that point by RO BEAR and HIGH NOON COCKTAIL, easily repelled that challenge, extended his lead again, and drew off in the stretch under a vigorous hand ride.  SAX CHANGE followed the leader in second early, waited patiently on the backstretch, made his move in the stretch but was no match for the winner. In the 3rd, JC’S SHOOTING STAR trailed the field but only by 3 on the backstretch, came up to the leaders and outgamed CONQUEST SUPERSTEP in a spirited stretch duel. The latter broke well, yielded the lead to FREUDIE ANNE on the backstretch, took the lead coming out of the turn, was tough in the stretch but could not keep the winner off the wire first. In the 4th, *MASCARELLO was a beat slow at the start, rushed to the front, opened up on the backstretch but tired in the stretch. BUSTIN THE BANK was another that was slow into stride, fell back and didn’t pass anyone in the race. DETTIFLOSS was a handful in the gate,  broke a beat slow, immediately headed to the outside rail, was well out of the picture when pulled up out of the race. The replays offered no real detail on what happened after the start. TRUE BET went right to the front, yielded the lead to MASCARELLO on the backstretch, retook the lead at the eighth pole and put the field away. INTERIOR SECRETARY pressed mid pack, closed best of the rest to nab second. In the 5th *SHE’S ALL READY was exactly that, forging to the lead under a hand ride, and drew away under mild urging. SUPER SURPRISE pressed behind the leaders, out finished the others. *BACKWOOD BAY stumbled out of the gate, was immediately well behind, was patient on the backstretch, made a move going into the turn but could not sustain it. OUT OF NOWHERE broke a beat slow and trailed throughout. In the 6th TABLE FOR SIX  tracked on the rail in third, patiently waited for a hole to open, and when it did on the rail exploded to the front and drew away. MISS KEW tracked outside just behind the leaders, moved around the turn, was no match for the winner but was best of the rest. *SHEYN VI DI LEVONE broke slow, immediately cut over to the three path, trailed down the backstretch early, decided to move outside on the backstretch, but was empty in the stretch. In the 7th LUBASH relaxed in the fourth slot three off the leader, swung wide for the drive and wore down KING KREESA. That one went right to the front, yielded quickly to NOTACATBUTALLAMA, pressed outside that one, moved to the lead in the stretch, but could not resist the charge of the winner. In the 8th JOEY CAP was slow out of the gate. HEATED VERDICT dueled with STUBBS for the lead, sprinted away from that one entering the turn, and held SLAPSTICK safe to the wire. That one pressed just behind the leaders, closed away from the field but could not get to the winner. In the 9th THE TEA CUPS was well back early on the rail, started moving around the turn, still had six to make up entering the stretch while being widest of all, closed powerfully to nail the win. OLD HARBOR pressed in fourth down the backstretch, was in traffic in the stretch, found her way to the rail, took the lead late but could not hold off the winner. In the 10th GOOD LUCK GUS broke well, settled on the rail, came off the rail looking for room and once clear flew home. ONE SIDED led down the backstretch, lost the lead to FORCE, retook the lead in the stretch but was no match for the winner. In the 11th STARAGO went out to a long early lead in fast fractions for this group, and was swallowed in the stretch. HUSHHUSHMUSHMUSH, well back early saved ground throughout, shifted off the rail out of the turn, and ran down WHIPPO. That one was closest to STRAGO early, took the lead in the stretch, was fully extended and barely missed.

Forever in Love

Mascarello

Dettifloss

She’s All Ready

Backwood Bay

AUGUST 29

It seemed like the advantage was to the pressers and closers. In the 1st BELISARIUS was well back early, moved into the lead up the backstretch, swung wide and wore down leader BORN IN BROOkLYN, winning by the slimmest of margins. REQUEST trailed throughout, came in the stretch and was part of a very tight four horse photo. In the 2nd CONDOMINIUM broke well, sprinted to the front, was no match for the winner, but was the best of the rest. READY DANCER tracked in second, passed CONDOMINUM at the eighth pole, and drew away under a vigorous hand ride. In the 3rd TANGO TIME settled in third while staying on the rail, found a seam and drew off by four. QUEEN OF SCAT trailed early, closed up the rail in the stretch and just got up for the place. In the 4th TALE OF S’AVALL relaxed early, tracked mid pack, swung wide and drew away strongly. RIVER DELL was well back early, found a gear in the stretch and comfortably secured the place. In the 5th VIGILANTE  trailed early, worked through horses and barely outfinished ASCEND. That one was close to the front on the rail early, moved three wide for the drive and was just nipped. In the 6th SHEER DRAMA  settled in third early, got the lead coming out of the turn and slowly drew clear. GOT LUCKY was in the second pack down the backstretch, made up good lengths in the stretch and passed a tired UNTAPABLE late. In the 7th UNBRIDLED FOREVER was last early, swung outside and closed best of all. KISS TO REMEMBER was near the back, made his move but could not outclose the winner. In the 8th RUNHAPPY broke wekk, pressed outside, took the lead down the backstretch and drew away to win easily. LIMOSINE LIBERAL was closest to the winner early, let that one go, could not make up ground but was the best of the rest. In the 9th PRIVATE ZONE sprinted out to a three length lead and drew away powerfully. THE BIG BEAST tracked early, tried to stay with the winner but was no match. In the 10th FLINTSHIRE was in the back of the pack early, moved up on the rail, took the lead around the turn and proved far the best. RED RIFLE was last, followed the winner up the rail, could not go with him, but was the best of the rest. In the 11th KEEN ICE was well off the pace early, rushed around the turn and steadily closed by AMERICAN PHAROAH. That one dueled on the inside most of the race with FROSTED finally shook him in the stretch but did not have enough left to repel the winner. In the 12th DACITA was well back early, closed from far back in the stretch, timing his run perfectly. TEPING tracked in second early, took the lead entering the stretch, looked like a winner but was nailed in the last jump by the winner. In the 13th FOXHALL DRIVE went to the front, opened up a long lead while dueling with MISTER DOOLEY, came back to the field, but rallied in the stretch to nail the win. MEMORIES OF PETER tracked mid pack on the rail, took the lead momentarily in the stretch, could not outfinish the winner, but was best of the rest.

Runhappy

PRivate Zone

Flintshire

Red Rifle

Dacita

Foxhall Drive

August 30

Both speed and the rail seemed dominant on the dirt and turf. In the 1st PETROCELLI broke smartly, went to the front drew out in the stretch and held off a mile charge from GLOBAL ASSET. That one was at least ten lengths off the leader on the backstretch, swung wide in the stretch and won comfortably. In the 2nd VERGER broke smartly, settled mid pack on the rail,  waited patiently, found a lane coming out of the turn and drew away smartly. MOSS CODE was tracking mid-pack, followed the winner in the stretch, was no match for him but was clearly best of the others. In the 3rd WAKE UP IN MALIBU tracked THE PULSE in second, moved outside that one to snatch the lead and dueled spiritedly with CLEANCUT KID and prevailed with courage. The latter settled three off the lead on the rail, swung wide out of the turn and missed by the slimmest of margins. In the 4th BAUBLETTE pressed the leader down the backstretch, took the lead coming out of the turn and drew away comfortably. SHES A BEAUTY was right behind the winner into the stretch, swung wide for the drive, could not keep up with the winner but took the measure of the rest of the field. In the 5th LADY SHIPMAN popped to the front out of the gate, relaxed back, letting TAHNEE take over the lead, easily ran by that one out of the turn and won easy as she pleased. In the 6th PLAY UNIFIED jumped to the lead, set comfortable fractions, and held the field safe to the wire. WELCOMING tracked mid pack on the outside, closed some in the stretch but never threatened the winner. In the 7th ELDIMILAAD tracked on the rail saving all the ground, moved up around the turn, swung wide and outfinished IT’S ALL RELEVANT to win comfortably. The latter jumped out to the lead, looked comfortable down the backstretch in fair fractions, responded when asked, but could not hold off the winner. In the 8th WACO sped to the front, survived the challenges from JUBA and BLAME JIM, and drew clear to win by a length. OCEAN KNIGHT was clear in fourth, swung outside for the drive, was getting to the winner late but ran out of room. DOUBLEDOWN AGAIN closed well against the bias. In the 9th FLASHLIGHT rushed to the front, stayed on the hedge, opened up by three on the backstretch, and drew away under hand urging in the stretch. MIDNIGHT NOTES was well back on the rail, patiently found an opening and was all out to snag the place. In the 10th FEATHERED rushed out of the gate, found a slot on the hedge, relaxed down the backstretch,  slipped through on the hedge and closed by CHOCOLATIER. That one went to the front on fair fractions, couldn’t resist the winner, but was a clear second. In the 11th DAISY CUTTER broke well, settled on the rail in tandem with KILLARNEY ROSE who was just outside of her, had to wait for a space to move outside but when she found it she pushed by the place horse. KILLARNEY ROSE pressed down the backstretch, forged to the front at the top of the stretch but was no match for the winner.

Lady Shipman

Doubledown Again

Lady Shipman

August 31

Another day where speed and the rail looked like the best place to be. IIn the 1st STARSHIP PLEASANT went right to the front, dueld with READY FOR SUMMER, put that one away entering the stretch, drew away momentarily but was all out to keep SUNRISE KITTY at bay. That one tracked on the rail in fourth, swung out for the drive and was getting to the winner at the end. In the 2nd FARRAJ missed the break, stayed back, but was not a factor. SARATOGA WILDCAT volleyed up front with CHOIR DIRECTOR, emerged out of the turn with the lead, looked green in the stretch, and just had enough to hold off UP MY ALLEY. That one tracked in fourth, swung wide for the drive, slowly started to get to the winner but fell a head short. In the 3rd FIRST SERVICE pressed just behind the leader early, went to an all out drive in the stretch and barely held off MYFOURCHIX. That one was three off the early pace on the rail, moved out for the drive and narrowly missed. In the 4th, PROVEN COMMODITY went right to the lead, continued courageously in the stretch and held the field at bay. ROLL TIDE ROLL pressed on the outside of that one, worked hard in the stretch and barely held off the third place horse. In the 5th BELIEVE IN BERTIE went right to the front, set slow fractions, and had plenty left for the stretch run. ON LEAVE was well back early on the rail, closed courageously on the outside but was never getting to the winner. In the 6th WRITTEN IN STARS went to his knees at the start and took a stride or two to recover. STRONG INCENTIVE sprinted out to the front, extended his lead down the backstretch, and came home comfortably. FINE INSTINCTS was well back early, closed by them all but the winner. In the 7th, DISTORTED BEAUTY tracked mid-pack, made a moved around the turn, surged to the lead at the eighth pole, and finished well. ROSALIND was well back on the rail, moved outside for the drive, closed well but could not get to the winner. In the 8th PROSPERO broke well, tracked in second down the backstretch,  moved to the lead out of the turn on his own courage, and drew away smartly in the stretch. LIEUTENANT SEANY O was right behind the winner down the backstretch, closed past the others but was no match for the winner. In the 9th HIGH NOON RIDER went to the lead out of the gate, maintained a short lead on soft fractions, and was much the best in the stretch. A LOT tracked on the hedge, swung out in the stretch but was not going to close by the winner. In the 10th, MACHER broke well, settled mid pack on the rail, made a swift move coming out of the turn, took the lead and drew away by daylight. INVISIBLE CROWN stayed off the leaders, did not go with the winner when he made his move, but closed well enough to dominate the rest of the field.

On Leave

Fine Instincts

Prospero

Macher

September 2

Pressers and closers seemed to have the advantage on the dirt, especially those on the rail, while speed had it a little better on the turf. In the 2nd MACH SEVEN tracked in third early, moved steadily around the turn and wore down the leaders. CHASE LANE was well back on the rail early, swung out for te drive and closed strongly, just missing the win. In the 3rd AZAR tracked four lengths off the leader, moved up on the rail and reached th wire first after and all out drive. NEXT SHARES went to the front out of the gate, led to deep stretch and just missed holding on. In the 4th NICKNAME volley up front with SKY MY WAY, closed on the inside and drew clear. The latter had the lead, yielded entering the stretch, could not go with the winner, but was the best of the rest. GAME GIRL broke a beat slow and never got into the race, In the 5th ARIETTA tracked on the rail just behind the leader, worked hard to catch GLARE ICE and drew clear. WANTAGH QUEEN was back early, emerged out of mid pack and came with a rush to catch the place. STREET LASS broke behind the field and always was well behind. In the 6th DENDRITE sprinted out of the gate, got a comfortable lead on slow fractions and held the field safe. BALDONNET settled on the rail down the backstretch and closed for the place. In the 7th MELODIC tracked two off on the rail, worked hard to get by LOUISVILLE FIRST and ultimately drew away. The latter sprinted to the lead, could not resist the winner, but was best of the rest. In the 8th ICONIC ARTIST, five lengths off the lead early while on the rail, emerged mid track in the stretch and outfinished BOSS MAN. That one tracked off the hedge in second, moved to the lead, but could not hold off the winner. In the 9th ESCAPE TO THE MOON rode the rail well behind the leaders and closed in the stretch mid-track. TOWERING MOON broke in the air, fell back while on the rail, found a slot in the stretch and closed well for place. IL VAGABONDO broke outward, made a slight move up on the rail, but faded in the stretch. COMANDANTE and BOND VIGILANTE sprinted out together to a long early lead in fast fractions but were finished by mid-stretch. In the 10th WINTER’S GIFT sprinted out to the lead, relaxed down the backstretch, and sprinted away from the field in the stretch. DYNAMIC DECISION settled four back on the rail, continued up the rail and closed for second.

Sky My Sky

Towering Moon