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Saratoga August 1

Lots of very tough races today. Given all the work I did on the horses to watch and this week’s blog, I won’t have time to make full comments, but the handicapping is top notch as always. Picks assume all turf races stay on the turf. Selections are prior to scratches.

Race 1      5-6-3

Coturnix ran well first out in 2015 and has the best last race figure. Cozy Kitten has been with better and Maker/Castellano is hitting at 28%. Sharp Omar has been with better and has a good in the money percentage.

Race 2      5-6-10

Stickstatelydude looked strong first out and has been the distance. Conquest Nitro comes off the synthetic but is best bred for the dirt. Ready Dancer goes first time for Pletcher/Velasquez.

Race 3      3-1-6

Knuckle Curve broke his maiden in dominating fashion and has the best last race figure. Waco has been at the NW1X level for a while but his lone win was at SAR. A longshot with prospects. First Down has been over his head in his last two graded events and is at a much better level today.

Race 4      5-6-7

Vouch for Kitten just missed last out and has the best last race figure. Coming Attraction improved when moved to the turf and is primed today. Mama Tembo goes first time for Pletcher. Long workout pattern but he should take well to the turf.

Race 5      4-3-7

The Amsterdam is named after the town where I grew up about 45 minutes drive from SAR. This is a good looking group of three year old sprinters. March, Victory is Sweet, and Holy Boss all have excellent qualifications. I’m going with the speed of the speed, Victory is Sweet, but this may be as much a watching race as a betting race.

Race 6      10-6-9-12

Wayward Kitten comes out of a restricted stakes and should find this field softer. Johnson City Kid has been in the vicinity and fits at this level. Lone Trader goes for Hushion/Ortiz and that combo is 32%. My Team ran well in the Grade 3 Kent at DEL and should have an easier time in this group.

Race 7      5-6-12-9

Go Around looked good for Mott first time with winners. Ocean Telegraph puts the blinkers on for Albertrani and has looked much improved since moved to the turf. Macagone has been knocking with this level a while but has been competitive. Request just missed last out and has been running consistent numbers.

Race 8      6-2-3

The Vanderbilt is the sprint for older horses. The three big NY sprinters are entered – The Big Beast, Salutos Amigos, and Rock Fall. Any one of the three could be the winner, but I’ll go with the Big Beast who won the King’s Bishop on this track last year.

Race 9      3-7-1

The Bowling Green is one of the premier turf races at the meet. I’m going with the horses with Grade 1/2 credentials, and the rising star. Imagining likes SAR and has been with some of the best. Main Sequence won’t be here to ruin his day this year. Innovation Economy just won the BEL Gold Cup and looks to be on the improve. Red Rifle recovered from a horrible run in the Gold Cup to win the Dominion Day at Woodbine.

Race 10   3-7-4

The Jim Dandy has a small but talented field. Last year’s BC Juvenile winner Texas Red goes as does my Derby pick Frosted. Triple Crown hopeful Upstart also goes. As much as I hate picking against Frosted I think Texas Red has more than we’ve seen and today 100% of him shows up.

Race 11   9-1-4-6

Draft Day has one race, one win and gets Lasix today. Dark Roast has been at the condition a while but is always close. Banana Thief has a win at SAR and looks to be in good condition. Pegasus Red fits the conditions and has competitive figures.

Opinions

Medication and Drugs in Race Horses

I’ve been doing my blog for a little over a year now. When I originally started the blog I thought I would mostly focus on selections, handicapping and betting articles, and opinions, of which I have plenty, some good, some not so good.

One of those opinion pieces was about Doug O’Neill’s conviction for oxazepam in NY (halveyonhorseracing.com/?p=517). It was my opinion then, and it is still my opinion that O’Neill was convicted because the absolute insurers rule presumes guilt when a horse tests positive for a banned substance. The likelihood that he had anything to do with giving the horse oxazepam was very small. On the other hand, the likelihood that it is was environmental contamination that caused the positive is very high.

In this case and in other cases I’ve investigated, the competence of the adjudicating bodies is at the very least suspect. 

I had no idea that my opinion piece would generate the response it did, especially within the horsemen’s community. Trainer inquiries became a regular occurrence for me, and  a number of them told me that no one pushes back when trainers are cited for violations. An avocation was born.

Racing Commissions are set up as the enforcement, adjudicatory, and appeals branches for horseracing. It is a system that no industry interested in the full story would have designed. It is a system that is ripe for long time Executive Directors of racing commissions to exercise their power harshly and abusively. It is a system that does not fully investigate violations, instead relying on a rule that absolves commissions of all need to dig for the truth. It is a system that uses its power to set standards designed to ban good, legal therapeutic drugs because commissions can get away with it.

I’ve taken a lot of criticism for my stories. I’ve been accused of being pro-drug by some fairly heavy hitters, including Barry Irwin from Team Valor. I have tried to be clear that I firmly believe real performance enhancing drugs should be punished harshly, but that the unchecked power exhibited by the Racing Commissions is at least as serious an issue.

I’ve also gone on record that therapeutic medications are in a different category than performance enhancing drugs, and should be dealt with differently. I will not be convinced that suspension, loss of purse and a fine are all three warranted for a picogram overage of drugs like phenylbutazone or banamine.

I’ve written about the following trainer violations:

  • Doug O’Neill for oxazepam in NY. Almost certainly an environmental contamination case.
  • Ferris Allen for Stanozolol in MD. This was a case where absurd zero tolerance standards resulted in a picogram positive for a long-time and successfully used therapeutic medication in a horse that had a level that could not have had any real impact on performance.
  • Bill Brashears for Banamine in CO. This was a case where the commission adopted a standard that essentially rendered use of the drug moot for therapeutic purposes.
  • Chris Grove for Nikethamide in WV. This was a case where the investigation was incompetent, the commission essentially agreed that Grove had nothing to do with the positive, but he was given days and a fine anyway.
  • Kellyn Gorder for metamphetamine in KY. This was also almost certainly a case of environmental contamination.

These are egregious cases where commissions showed poor judgement, bad investigatory practices, and unfair punishments. It’s not 100% of the cases, but ask each of these trainers if the fact that commissions get it right most of the time is enough to make up for their pain.

As it turns out, I was likely right about Kellyn Gorder’s violation. Somebody who had recently used meth had contact with the horses that tested positive.

Recently, esteemed midwestern trainer McLean Robertson was convicted of a methamphetamine violation. He was handed a 90 day suspension and fined $2,000. This is in opposition to Gorder’s year suspension imposed by Kentucky.

So one obvious issue is that punishments in jurisdictions can vary widely for the same violation. Gorder’s violation was for 48 picograms, Robertson’s for 74 picograms. Both are considered de minimis when it comes to any performance enhancing effect, and almost any respectable pharmacologist will tell you that the probability was for an environmental contamination. Robertson is so well respected that even Canterbury Park threw their support behind him.

“Canterbury Park supports and funds drug testing as a deterrent to the use of performance-enhancing substances in horse racing,” track officials said in a July 26 statement. “However, Canterbury Park management does not believe Mr. Robertson, an upstanding and respected member of Canterbury Park’s racing program for many years, administered a performance-enhancing or prohibited substance to the horse referenced in this case but is a victim of environmental contamination.”

“We realize the board of stewards, under direction of the Minnesota Racing Commission, was in a difficult position in this matter based on zero-tolerance and trainer responsibility rules. The integrity of the sport is of utmost importance, but scientific advances in drug testing have made zero-tolerance rules for contaminants impractical.”

“When the stewards’ ruling is appealed to the MRC, we hope they take into consideration the mitigating circumstances in this case.”

Unfortunately, the commissions and their imperial executive directors have painted themselves into a corner. Even if you believe Gorder and Robertson were the victims of environmental contamination, by what part of racing rules do they get to excuse them from punishment?  After all, nobody proved anything other than a horse had meth in its system, including environmental contamination, and the absolute insurers rule is, well absolute. And if they do, don’t they set a precedent that causes them far more headaches than convicting them would?

Whether or not ARCI will do something remains to be seen, but at least one member of the drug testing committee has seen the light. Constantin Rieger, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Racing Commission sent this to the Scientific Advisory Committee members:

RCI Scientific Advisory Committee Members, I am a member of the RCI DTSP committee and would like to request that the Advisory Committee consider establishing a contaminant level for the drug Methamphetamine. As you know, Meth has become a popular drug in human use and equine testing may be affected by such use. We have several drugs/compounds which are considered contaminants and I believe Meth could fit into that category. There have been several low level positive confirmations nationally of late and I believe it’s time to give this drug a contaminant distinction. We have a protocol in place that addresses any findings of the drug, although possibly not confirmable (human drug testing), which the lab would report to the Commission. I appreciate your consideration of this matter.

Perhaps they will change the standard to allow for a contamination level, but the question is whether it will be too late to help Robertson and Gorder. Still, I’d like to think my practice has helped stimulate some hard thinking on the part of horsemen and racing commissions when it comes to some violations.

Horses to Watch

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

Selections

Saratoga July 31

Yesterday was a total bust. Lots of scratches and races off the turf. By the end of the day the sun came out and it is supposed to be sunny today. Hopefully the turf will dry out enough for the races to stay on.  All turf race selections are for races that stay on the turf .

Race 1      3-1-6-8

This race is a hodgepodge of dirt and turf runners. Strong Impact should get a good early spot and has had a lot of early success at SAR and at the distance. Most of the speed is with the MTO’s so there may not be a torrid pace. That gives Partly Mocha a better shot from the one. He’s another that has had success at SAR and the distance and is dropping to his lowest level in a while. Slamarama has had some trouble catching the winner’s share but he has the figures to be competitive. Political Farce has the top early speed of the non-MTO’s and has to be respected even at 12-1 ML.

Race 2      9-5-3-6

Killarney Rose goes from the outside on the inner and that may put her up against it, but I like her figures and she looked good first time dropping into the MCL ranks. She would be the tepid choice. Hundred Year Storm only has two starts and drops from MSW to MCL. Brown is almost 50% moving from MSW to MCL. Figures aren’t dominant but the stats say she will be tough in this spot. Summer Chant looked good at this trip last out. Pletcher is 33% with MCL. Break Away finally drops into the MCL ranks. She looks well meant for the mile trip and picks up top jock Castellano.

Race 3      7-2-6

20-1 ML shot Bridgetta is 50% on the SAR dirt. She’s been fairly consistent and she seems to be in good condition. Lady Gracenote is making a slight drop in price. Her SAR numbers are very competitive with this group. Champage Ruby was running with state-bred stakes horses last year and has been struggling this year, but her last race was encouraging and she’s worth a look at longer odds.

Race 4      2-3-5

Stanford is the remaining Pletcher entrant after the scratch and hasn’t finished worse than second in his stakes races. Tekton just missed in the Pegasus at MTH and is another looking at West Virginia. Certainly has chances if the top one falters. Smart Transition ran an uninspired race in the Dwyer but still has the talent to give these some competition.

Race 5      1/1A-8-3

The entry of Goodrevy and Tradesman looks strong for Albertrani. Tradesman actually has a maiden win but was DQ’d. Since then he ran third in a stakes and threw in a clunker in his last MSW. Still, at his best he’s as good as anything in this field. Indian Trail goes for Pletcher/Velasquez. He improved in his second start and keeping that up puts him right in the mix. Gangster should appreciate the entended distance. When do you get 10-1 on Pletcher.

Race 6      4-5-9

O’Prado Ole moved to the Clement barn and he’s been prepped well for this start. Graded turf runner should fit well at this level. Global Strike has not run a bad one in 2015 since being moved to the turf. Have to respect his tactical speed. Artic North didn’t look as good when moved to the two mile distance but he should be comfortable at this distance.

Race 7      1-6-3

Street Jersey puts the blinkers on and gets first Lasix for his 2015 debut. The works look promising and Tagg is 20% with long layoff horses. Choir Director has been working well at SAR and he should be a factor in the stretch. Chomsky had been off close to two years and made a nice return a month ago. He has a nice workout since that race and it looks like he’s overcome whatever problems kept him on the shelf. At 12-1 he’s worth a look.

Race 8      5-8-9

Brickyard Kitten has had some success at SAR and Johnny V stays for the trip. He’s run some good figures this year and while Ben Perkins doesn’t start a lot of horses here, but he’s still a top trainer. Stormy Rocit has a win at SAR and fits well at this level. Figures say he is competitive. Pure Sensation ran primarily in stakes races last year. He’s been gelded and takes the blinkers off today. He’s got a win at SAR and could wind up as the controlling speed.

Race 9      5-7-6

Catholic Cowboy has the best last race figure and although he’s been struggling to find the winner’s circle, his last race was his best this year. Big Looie just missed in his first start in the Jacobson barn and has been consistent in his figures. Touchofstarqualiy won at this level and distance  last out. His races are spaced so you have to wonder just how sound he is, but he has three works leading up to this and that is encouraging.

Race 10   2-4-1

Sudestada switched to the turf, showed plenty of early foot from the outside post and didn’t fold that badly. I love this move and think he is a good play even if he goes off at less than his 15-1 ML. Hardcore just missed at a shorter turf sprint last out and should be part of the early scrum. The experience should help him to stay longer. Ward/Hernandez is at 27% success. Diva Express cuts way back in distance and he should like the sprint.

Selections

Saratoga July 30

Another competitive day. I haven’t yet found a horse to load up on, but eventually the form will settle and we’ll find some big winners. Meanwhile, here’s today’s picks.

Race 2      1-4-6

Harlans Belle has been dropping steadily in 2015. She has plenty of tactical speed and Cox has been good with this sort of dropper. The reluctant choice in a field that is pretty untalented overall. Backwater just broke her maiden and drops to a level where she has a chance to double up. Pushme Pullyou broke her maiden on the dirt, ran a couple of clunkers on the turf and is back on the dirt today. At 12-1 she’s a good angle play.

Race 3      3-1-7

These two year old state-bred races are usually wide open affairs. Fish Trappe Road has a good start at CD and is probably dropping in class. Calhoun is a respectable 23% with second time maidens and about the same with two year olds. Giggy Smooth has a nice workout pattern for Chris Englehart. The trainer/jock combo has been effective in the last two years. I had to choose between the two Pletcher entrants and decided to go with the longer odds. They both look good but Sudden Surprise gets number one jock with Johnny V.

Race 4      4-1-7

Palace is a successful Grade 1 winner and drops into a state-bred stakes. If he is right he overwhelms this field. Weekend Hideaway jumped his shadow last out but prior to that was competitive in restricted stakes. Castellano was the winning jock last time he won. Moonlight Song has won sprinting at SAR and should be the first to the front.

Race 5      5-9-10

Kentucky Road goes for Pletcher/Castellano. She’s very well bred for the turf sprint and she has some nice workouts at SAR. I’m a little hesitant to go to the outside in a short turf sprint, but I liked the connections and the workout patterns. Country Muse has a pattern I especially like – a fast 3 furlong work followed by a comfortable series of four furlong works. Mike Maker is good with first timers and two year olds. Catch a Glimpse has been working very well for top trainer Mark Casse and is another well bred for the turf sprint.

Race 6      1-5-8

Right On Kitten has obviously been over her head in stakes races. She’s at home on the turf and should get good position coming out of the one post. Wealth Creation goes for the talented Chad Brown barn and gets a new rider in Irad Ortiz. She only has four races so there is much room for improvement and she fits this level. Although Rock Me Again is coming from outside, she has enough speed to establish position early. She’s another who fits well in this group.

Race 7      8-11-7

Justlookatmenow has been racing in shorter sprints and should be able to clear the field if she chooses. She was over her head in the ALW/Stakes races but should have no trouble being competitive with this field. On A Star has one excellent race at this distance and may benefit from the cutback.

Race 8      5-2-8

Il Mulino goes for the white-hot Mott/Lezcano combination. He should be in the early battle and has shown decent heart when challenged. Regia Marina has a solid closing kick and should relish the distance. Say Cin Cin looked good in her last and is another that should relish the distance. Bond looks like he has gotten the horse acclimated to SAR and should have her ready to roll.

Race 9      7-3-10

Lady of Gold has been having trouble winning but does like the SAR surface. She’s coming out of a graded event and should be strong at the distance. Regardez has been so-so in her two North American starts, but was graded stakes placed in England. Chad Brown is usually reliable about placing his horses correctly and I’m looking for improvement today. Chocolatier should be contesting the early pace and she should be able to get good position even coming out of the ten. At 10-1 she looks interesting.

Race 10   3-6-9

Shotgun Love looked close to breaking through at the MSW level. She failed on the turf, and goes back to the dirt dropping down to a lower MCL level. Hard to pick against her. Devil’s Silent just finished second at this level. Cuts back half a furlong and should enjoy the shorter trip. She’s All Even has come close in her last two but will have to show more heart to get the win. Still, she’s worth looking at in the exotics.

Selections

Saratoga July 29

I’ll be doing a summary of the first four days of the meet this week. Lots of prices and the track seemed to change from Friday to Monday.  Meanwhile, today’s card has a lot of puzzling races. Some concern about the heat and humidity, so I made selections to account for potential scratches. I’m passing the hurdle race, but if I had to bet I’m looking at Elizabeth Voss, Jack Fisher and James Day.

Race 2      6-3-2

Bellamy Brew had been off close to two years and was taken in his first start of 2015 by DJ. I like that he laid him off for close to two months – tells me he wanted to get the horse in the right shape before running him. He has a lot of back class. Of course, all the time off still has to be cause for some caution. Bet the Power is in good condition and goes first time for Chris Englehart. He’s been a reliable runner for a while. American Progress has competitive figures and looks to be in his best form.

Race 3      1-5-8

Ackerman Road ran a lifetime best when moved to the turf. Castellano is too good to be kept out of the top spot for long. Tax Deduction is another that improved when moved to the turf. A little more improvement puts him right there. Private Show has no turf breeding, but is a strong sprinter and is dropping from MSW. Worth a look.

Race 4      4-3

Judy the Beauty and La Verdad look head and shoulders above the field. Judy gets the nod off her better SAR record.

Race 5      3-9-7-11

Tizallheart is 12-1 on the ML. He actually has a good race on the SAR turf and fits the class and conditions. Gotachancetodance only has three starts and has looked better each race. Sylvia T switches to RuRod’s barn and perhaps that will help her to find the winner’s circle. Solid in the horizontals. Winner’s Legacy looked good first time out in 2015 and has the currently hot Jose Lezcano in the saddle.

Race 6      1-4-7-10

Successful Runner finished last season with a good race at SAR. Low profile connections should ensure decent odds. Well Lawyered ran well on the turf last out and returns to the dirt where he had some impressive races out West. Has a race on the SAR dirt and looks good on the slight drop in price. Wynhurst was picked up by DJ from the Bob Baffet barn. He looked pretty good out West and if he is in shape he’s dangerous. Deficit Hawk ran well on the dirt at AQU, ran one on the turf and switches back to the dirt today. At 12-1 he shouldn’t be ignored.

Race 7      1-8-10-4

Style Drift ran well first time on the turf for Chad Brown. Irad Ortiz stays for the trip. Fourstar Crook is the other Brown runner and should be the one coming late. This should be a pretty good 1-2 punch. First Charmer is 12-1 ML for the incredibly hot Bill Mott. Ignore his horses at your own peril. Donatienne just missed breaking her maiden at SAR last year. Graham Motion is pretty good with horses coming off the layoff.

Race 8      9-1-4-6

Oklahoma Den ships up from GP. He’s been running with much better and should appreciate the move to state-breds. Jax Heritage hasn’t run a bad one in 2015 and has competitive figures. Battle of Evermore has been running with top flight state-breds and should be a big factor in this group. Police Camp is better than his 15-1 ML would indicate. Worth a look.

Race 9      1-10-11-6

Although I think the two outside horses might be a little better, given this one is on the inner turf I’m going to look inside for winner. Slim Shadey has been with a lot of stakes runners in the last two years and has good figures. All Included goes for the strong Pletcher/Velasquez combination. He was only a length out of the Grade 3 Poker and looks to be in top form. Sky Flight has looked good in both his 201 starts and goes relatively fresh for top trainer Mark Casse. Front is a longshot with some potential to make the exotics. Jerkens did get hot at SAR last year and has been training well in 2015.

Race 10   1-4-2-6

Smokem’s Charm goes first time for Abby Adsit who has been pretty good with claims. Has a third at SAR and makes a good drop in price. Spa City Fever has the name for the track. He’s making a big drop in price and has the best last race figure by far. Native Gold goes for Danny Gargan who is having a great 2015. Breezed well over the SAR surface. Real Estate Rich has a second at SAR and has been competitive in 2015.

Selections

Saratoga July 26

There is no such thing as a bad day at the Spa. There are tough days, but win or lose Saratoga is a great place to be. Yesterday if you had focused on anything above 10-1 you might have had a memorable day. Form is still settling, and longshots are coming in left and right.

Race 1      6-2-1

Carrumba will be the obvious choice after making a furious close to just miss in his first. Have to use in the horizontals, but not a lot of value. Picture Day gets first Lasix and that may be enough to get her to the wire. Theophilia is another getting first Lasix for Mott and he is pretty good with that move.

Race 2      8-2-7-10

Ack Naughty ran well in a restricted stake with winners. Ortiz stays for the trip. Skinner Box won up here last year and just missed in his last BEL race.  Amazing Anne has been struggling to get to the front at the wire but has some good figures and a win at SAR. Courageisamajority just broke her maiden with a new top. Other than the outside post, she looks very capable of going with winners.

Race 3      4-6-8

Bessie’s Boy has plenty of early foot and figures well in this group. Copernicus just missed on the slop and looks to be in good form for Toscano. Scattered Dreams drops down to his lowest level for this one. Some trouble winning, but solid in the verticals.

Race 4      1-7-3

Women Win has three seconds in a row. No doubt about the talent but some concern about the heart. First Service got a good tightener in his first out, moves to his preferred surface today. Miss Anna Marie goes first time for Pletcher/Velasquez; I like the workout pattern.

Race 5      7-3-6

Persnickity just won at this level and comes back for two in a row. Spectacular Me just missed last out and figures heavily at the distance. Magsamelia picks up Castellano for the trip. Has plenty of speed and will be a factor at the front.

Race 6      1-6-10

Love the Kitten runs at her fourth track in her young career. Wesley Ward is a good one with turf babies. Amazing Charisma goes for McPeek. Has some nice works for the debut. Bottle dance has to overcome the outside but does have a race and RuRod is good second time out.

Race 7      4-5-1-11

Summer Breezing was just taken by Jermiah Englehart and he is 25% with first time claim runners. Goes from straight claimers to state-breds. Saratoga Dreamer has good tactical speed and broke his maiden on this track. Three for Me has been on a good streak and also is moving over to state-breds. Saltine Warrior gets the services of Johnny V and may be better suited at the sprint distance.

Race 8      11-3-8

Lunar Rover goes from the far outside but looks to have enough tactical speed to get a good spot going into the turn.. 1 for 1 at SAR. Unbridled Juan hasn’t run a bad one in his short career. Should be in a good spot in this one lap affair on the dirt. Tacticus comes from Europe and the synthetic track circuit. Motion has a high percentage with new Euro runners.

Race 9      8-10-4-5

Tweet Kitten looks to have a perfect style for this race and gets Castellano as a rider. Andalusite is taking a while to break his maiden but could be a factor in the verticals. Long Legacy really woke up when moved to the turf. Jonathan Sheppard will win sometime this meet, why not get it out of the way today? Wings of a Prayer seemed to like the longer distance and figures to be in the picture today.

Race 10   7-3-5-8

The CCA Oaks is a competitive affar, with no horse like Untappable or Stopchargingmaria in the running. Wonder Gal is multiple graded stakes placed and should have to close by many to have a chance. Curalina was a winner last out in the Acorn and Pletcher/Velasquez is deadly in dirt stakes. Include Betty is a deep closer who has the top last race figure. Very much primed for the upset with California recent super apprentice Drayden Van Dyke.I’m a Chatterbox has run some good graded races’ Larry Jones has to be respected here.

Race 11   10-4-8

The last is a bit of a mess so don’t discount any price horse. Mr Maybe looks pretty solid and has recently been gelded. Will have to overcome the outside post. Enjoy the Show has a good last race figure and a win at the distance. Stevie’s Moonshot is the Pletcher entrant. He’s better on the turf and gets back there today.

Selections

Saratoga July 25

Interesting opening day. More down than up, but I hit two races really well and that kept my head above water. Things don’t get any easier today.

Race 1      6-5-7

Metal Magic has a start for Eddie Kenneally and duplication of the effort puts him on top. Boalt Hall goes for Pletcher/Velasquez and they are always dangerous with two year old first timers. Moon King is a Malibu Moon colt and they are often precocious.

Race 2      4-7-3

English Minister has been competitive at this level in 2015, but not yet cracking the winner’s circle is a little concern, Still, his figures say he is the one to beat. Speeding Comet just missed after the claim by Toscano. Looks very viable in this spot. Majestico goes for the Coach and while he isn’t the trainer he used to be he looks like he spotted this one shrewdly.

Race 3      6-8-10

Life imitates art goes for Chad Brown who is good with first timers, better with first timers on the turf. Little Schmo ran well in the slop and should appreciate the added distance. Dissident has been working well at SAR for Pletcher and top turf rider Castellano gets the call.

Race 4      1-7-3

Stay tuned shipped in from KEE last out and ran well against these types. Puts the shades on today. Danzig Storm was claimed two back by Joan Scott who almost tot him to win last time. A contender at longer odds. Ogermeister flopped last out but has strong potential in the verticals.

Race 5      6-8-9

Saratoga Mischief is the Pletcher/Velasquez entrant. He has looked good in the mornings at SAR. Silvertown is another horse that has already started for Kennealy. He was bumped at the start and wide and with a clean trip he has big outs. 10-1 is attractive. Crosstown Route goes for Violette and he is almost 40% with first timers.

Race 6      8-9-1

Dowse’s Beach was a winner here last year and comes to SAR looking a lot like he did before that victory. Asset Inflation was claimed last out by Chris Englehart and he is pretty good first off the claim. Broke his maiden on the SAR turf. Glowing Ember gets the rail for this run and has the speed to make it a big advantage.

Race 7      5-1-10

Regent’s House comes off the year layoff for McLaughlin. She’s been best at today’s distance and the works look like she is in condition. If she finished developing she’s got a big chance. Sister Margaret switches to the Gary Gullo barn. He hasn’t run a poor race in his career and won at first asking last year. Clothes Fall Off is another that hasn’t run a bad race lifetime, has good workouts and previously won fresh.

Race 8      11-3-7-5

Barrel of Love has been running well. Doesn’t have a high win percentage, but is hard trying. Taghleeb has never run a really poor race and looks to be very well handled by McLaughlin. Taghleeb hasn’t run a bad one, fits the conditions and looks to have been well handled by McLaughlin. Plainview is all the speed and will be the one to catch. Ocala Jim has run two good races at SAR, is in shape and fits the conditions.

Race 9      8-7-6

Cocked and Loaded was the winner of the Tremont. This one is his to lose. Paynes Prairie came out of the Tremont to break his maiden and looks to be getting stronger. Asmussen has been shrewd with his two year olds lately. He’s Comin in Hot already has a win at the distance and has overcome some tough competition to win.

Race 10   2-5-6

Stephanie’s Kitten is still the best horse in the race and should have some pace to run at today. Waltzing Matilda won at first asking in the States and with the addition of Lasix ran a new top. Definitely interesting at the odds. My Miss Sophia is one of the speed horses. She’s been well handled by Mott and should be a factor here.

Race 11   2-7-10

This is Saratoga so we’ll go for a longshot in the nightcap. Sailmate likes the disance and although he hasn’t won at the Spa, he’s 3 of 5 in the money. Figures say he competes well with this group. Comandante goes for Pletcher/Castellano and while he hasn’t crossed the wire first at SAR he has two seconds in four starts. He fits well with this group. Classic Salsa is the likely front runner for DJ. He loves to win races and the figues say he has a big shot.

Selections

Saratoga July 24

Opening Day at the Spa is finally here. The weather is a little dicey – the forecast calls for a 30-40% chance of rain in Saratoga, with some potentially drenching showers. Of course, the rain could also miss the track, but if it doesn’t it could affect the later turf races. The card looks very encouraging. Lots of full fields and competitive races.

Race 1      4-3-8

Let’s go for a longshot right away in the first race and tab Moneyinyour Pocket in the win slot. Moneyinyour Pocket was competitive with much better in late 2014 and was taken by the usually shrewd David Jacobson for $40K in April of this year. He dropped the horse to $12,500 and finally got an impressive win last out. He’s got a second and a third at the distance. The jump to state-bred OC$40 is not quite as big a leap as it may appear. Worth considering. Beyond Empire has a win over the SAR surface at this distance. His two runs in Dubai were nothing special, but the return at BEL at this level showed some of the talent he’d shown previously stateside.  Fox Rules is another longshot that intrigues me. He’s a versatile horse who can win turf or dirt, short and long, but seems most effective in routes on the dirt. His numbers suggest he is as good as anything off his best.

Race 2      1-3-4

I’d like Lemon Liqueur a lot more if she wasn’t breaking from the rail post. Still, I searched high and low in this field and it was hard to come up with anything that looked better than her. She has an impressive set of steady works and Violette is excellent with first time runners. If she doesn’t get buried out of the gate she certainly has a big chance. Night Madam is another with good morning works. She’s sired by a BC sprint winner and while Contessa is not in Violette’s league with newcomers, he is a competent trainer. Lady’s First  is shipped up from Kentucky by Dallas Stewart. She sold for less than the stud fee, not a great sign, but the works show some ability. If I know anything about state-bred two year old races, it is that anything can happen so go with caution.

Race 3      4-7-1-10

The nod in the first turf race of the year goes to Little Mary Ellen. She appears to have settled at this level in search of a win. Horses able to establish position early have a big advantage in races on the inner turf, and she should settle into a good striking spot. You can toss out her last on the good dirt, and her best effort should top this field. Khaleesi Cat drops from MSW to the claiming ranks for this start. The horse has had bad luck in both her starts. In the first she clipped heels and lost the jockey. In the second she was squeezed back at the start and was never able to get into the race. She puts the blinkers on today and gets first Lasix. Mott trainees usually take a few races to get going, so no surpise if she shows up today. Dacoma is another dropping out of MSW. She’s also moving up to a route, and that should allow her to show more speed from the rail. There are questions about why Ward would give up on the horse after only two starts – she’s running at a $120K discount from her purchase price – but if she doesn’t get snagged it might turn out to be a shrewd move. Ambiguous but with possibilities. Flying K C has been sprinting for RuRod. Usually the outside posts are death on the inner, but she may have enough speed to establish position.

Race 4      7-6-1

One of the things I love about Saratoga is naming graded stakes after some of the smaller places in the area. The Amsterdam, the Ballston Spa, and in this case the 97th running of the Schuylerville. This is a talented field, and as is usually the case, two year olds can improve dramatically in their early starts. Still, until Todd Pletcher shows signs of weakness, his horses get the most consideration in the two year old stakes. In this race Positively Royal looks very strong. She broke her maiden powerfully in a fast time at BEL. In that race she was actually a little green, and if she learned her lessons, she should be more professional in this race. The bullet at SAR a week ago says she is ready to enter the ranks of graded stakes winner. Moment is Right has shown high early speed and has been working like a champion at KEE. Every reason to expect she’ll be winging and will have to be caught. Decked Out has more of a pressing/closing running style and should appreciate the increase in distance. Hopefully the rail doesn’t keep her from finding a good spot from which to make a late run.

Race 5      3-8-11

Nile Princess broke her maiden at a price at BEL in May, jumped way up to a $50K starter allowance where she raced decently, and comes down to a NW3 claiming event. She’s eligible for NW2 and that is of concern, but she’s not up against a strong bunch. At 12-1 ML I’m interested. Jennys Creek has shown a tendency to finish in the money more than win, but she did beat a NW2L field a month and a half ago and didn’t show badly against a state-bred NW1X field. She fits the race pretty well. Queenofzeenile only missed at this level last out by half a length and would be given more consideration if she wasn’t coming from the outside. If she gets the right position she could be a winner.

Race 6      6-4-5

Anna House was a $600K yearling purchase, trained by Pletcher and working well. Johnny V takes the mount and that combo is exceptional with these sorts. Silky Girl has been working up a storm for Violette and at 8-1 is worth considering. Welcoming goes for Clement and Leparoux and that combination is a solid 21%. She’s been working at SAR and has looked good doing it.

Race 7      4-5-3-12

Lahinch Classics is one of two Chad Brown trained entrants here. Interestingly Irad Ortiz and Javier Castellano are both 28% riding for Brown, so I’m looking at betting the value. Lahinch Classics is 10-1 on the ML and gets the “secondary” rider in Ortiz. She missed by the slimmest of margins in a G2 at theCurragh and if she replicates that run she’s as good as anythig in here. It’s a bit of a concern that she flopped as the heavy favorite in a $25K OC last out, but she’ll have no issue with the distance and you have to trust CB. Bishop’s Pond, the other Brown runner just broke her maiden after four previous tries. She’ll be mid-pack and should be coming at the end. Chrysolite stretches out to 1 3/16. She’s been competitive with this level and if she adapts to the longer distance she can be a factor. Trophee just broke her maiden for Clement after knocking on the door in all her U.S. races. She’s an obviously talented runner, but is stuck on the far outside. She’ll have to overcome that to beat this field.

Race 8      3-6-4

Doubledown Again has been competitive in every race and has very consistent figures. Figures to be on top of his game in this one. Doc Almon has looked excellent since DJ took over conditioning. Is as good as any horse in the field. Scatter Joy is the best speed in the race and may take this field the whole way. Great winning percentage at the distance.

Race 9      9-10-3

Mrs MacDougal comes in from SA for Chad Brown. She looked good in the American Oaks but couldn’t contend with Feathered and Spanish Queen. I think the cutback in distance will be in her favor. Ortiz was the rider in her only win.  Feathered almost wired the field in the American Oaks and prior to that did make it gate to wire in the Edgewood. May seek the front this time. Jellicle Ball goes first time for Motion. She was graded stakes placed in Europe. No listed works, so we’ll see if she goes.

Race 10   6-4-2

Culprit goes third off the long layoff and drops to the SAR price basement. Have to use him, but not delirious about him. Big Blue Talent is another steep dropper going third off the layoff. One of the contenders in a weak field. Bacigliano almost wired a field at this level last time. With that race under his belt might just go all the way. Joe Sharp is usually good with his recent claims.

Selections

Belmont July 19 – Closing Day

End of a very successful BEL meeting for me. I hope those of you who followed my selections had a good meeting as well. I’m looking forward to making some money at Saratoga.

Race 1      4-3-6

Hillaryinthehouse ran well first time out at six furlongs but couldn’t handle the added furlong last time. She sold for 20 times the stud fee and looks fastest on paper. Wake Up Smiling is one of the horses coming out of the June 24th race where she finished a good second. Looks well primed for a top effort today. Outtacyresshills takes the blinkers off today. Has been showing speed routing. Should have more of a closing effort at the sprint distance, but his figures give reason for optimism.

Race 2      3-1-2

Golden Gem should be pressing early. Looked good on the BEL dirt coming off a short rest. Like the prep works Violette put into her for this start. Expecting a top effort. Awesome News just missed at this level in May and didn’t handle a muddy track three weeks ago, but has the speed and the figures to succeed here. Lady Marlena tried the turf last out and moves back to the dirt where she dominated a field in May.

Race 3      8-6-3

Day Six is a versatile runner who has won at the mile distance. His last win puts him well on top of this field. Lead Singer looked good at this level last out and appears to be in top form. Harpoon ran a good one first time on the turf since last year. Has show a liking for  the distance and for the BEL grass.

Race 4      5-4-6

Wonderment looked very good in winning her maiden and gets the services of top jock Castellano for this journey. Sea Pebble was strong in her first two maiden events and worked a sparling bullet five days ago. Has legitimate possibilities. Crowd Control was the winner of the June 24 maiden that four horses ran in. No reason to expect a regression.

Race 5      3-11-9-2

Noble Quality flopped on the sloppy track as the favorite, Very likely the fast dirt will cure some of the greenness he showed last time. Jan’s Reserve had some trouble at the start, got into the race, but faded at the end. Improvement likely today. Hunter O’Reilly goes first time for Joe Sharp who is 20% with maiden first timers. Tiz Wonderful is a first rate sire for two year olds. Unbridled Daddy goes for the powerful Pletcher/Castellano combo and can’t be ignored.

Race 6      8-3-7

Claddagh’s Button drops out of a fast MSW turf race into the MCL ranks and picks up a new trainer to boot. Appears better bred for the dirt. Interesting choice here. Ragazza Piu’ Bella ran his best when switched back to the dirt last out and improvement makes him a big factor. Awesome Winter took the overland route last race and couldn’t last. Should enjoy the distance cutback.

Race 7      8-10-2

All Is Number has been looking to break through at this level and perhaps the switch to the turf last time was the tonic he had been looking for. Mark My Style just won an OC $80K two back and closed up well at this class and distance last time. Uncle Mitcho is 12-1 on the ML. He has not been overly impressive in the past, but he was gelded recently and that is enough to give him consideration.

Race 8      4-1-3

Black Tide was grabbed by Nevin two back, jumped up to a starter ALW on the turf and stays on the grass for this one. Showed great liking for the turf and the same race may just put him on top. Magician’s Bullet hasn’t run a bad one in 2015. Should have the lead and will not be easy to pass. Luv Dakota Style fits the level. Likes the distance and the BEL grass.

Race 9      10-4-1-6

Drama King’s last two figures would put him on top in this field. Deserves the favorite’s label. Colorado Grandslam has run well at BEL and is 2 for 3 at the distance. Seems to be in top shape. One Sided just broke his maiden for Pletcher. Has been improving with each start and has competitive numbers. Futurazzo is a longshot with some outs. He has a four race win streak and figures that suggest he can compete in this field.

Race 10   6-5-8-9

Lucky Leroy Brown drops once more in search of a win. He still hasn’t reached his peak and could do it today. Ferocious Tiger had all sorts of trouble last out when he was rank and steadied. Once he got going he made a race of it, finishing a good second in an 11 horse field. Like the chances today. Spanish Armada is 4 of 6 in the money and has numbers as fast as anyone in the field. Key to the Bridge makes a big drop today and is one tolook at in the verticals.