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SARATOGA NOTEBOOK AUGUST 25, 2011 by John Mucciolo A pair of graded races for the top fillies on the East Coast took place this past week at Saratoga. Alabama S. (G1): Palides Investments' homebred ROYAL DELTA (Empire Maker) tracked while in third to midstretch and exploded inside the final furlong to take this one by a widening 5 1/2 lengths beneath Jose Lezcano. The Bill Mott pupil went 1 1/4 miles in 2:03 en route to her first Grade 1 tally. Lake Placid S. (G2): Emory Hamilton's homebred HUNGRY ISLAND (More Than Ready) made a big move after being last early to take this one going away under the guidance of Alex Solis. The talented sophomore filly got nine panels on the yielding outer turf in 1:53 3/5 for trainer Shug McGaughey. Track Stats A total of 60 races were held over the Saratoga Springs, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 37 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 58 percent of the wins. From 39 races on the main oval, 16 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (41 percent), and one runner led at every call on the lawn from 21 races (5 percent). Speed has been good for the majority of this meeting on both grass ovals up until this week, but pressers, stalkers and deep closers led the way during the past six race days. The lone wire-to-wire grass winner came during a route race on the inner lawn. The main strip was very kind to early leaders, especially on Sunday when the course was wet. The inner three posts accounted for 23 of the 39 wins on the main track this past week, as well. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (8/17) 3RD -- VOODOO DADDY (City Zip) showed excellent gate speed and never stopped en route to a fine debut win for trainer Steve Asmussen. The Kentucky-bred juvenile should be a big force at one-turn events this season. 6TH -- CHARDSEY (War Front) went last-to-first on an oval that it is not easy to do so and looms a chance right back with winners for trainer Christophe Clement. 9TH -- BRIDGETOWN (Speightstown) was awesome on this day for trainer Todd Pletcher, streaking home a 6 3/4-length winner under John Velazquez. The four-year-old colt made quick work of a pretty decent field in here. Thursday (8/18) 7TH -- JIMANATOR (Broken Vow) raced against a bias last time and returned with a strong showing here, holding on gamely late under Robby Albarado. The five-year-old gelding went to the Michael Trombetta barn following a claim and could easily win right back versus similar foes. Saturday (8/20) 4TH -- LOCAL LEGACY (Greeley's Galaxy) chased a clear leader who was impossible to upend in here, but should be a big factor next time with a more favorable pace scenario for Linda Rice. 6TH -- EL PADRINO (Pulpit) broke a bit slowly but made a nice middle move and closed well late to be a fine second at first call in this one for Todd Pletcher. The juvenile colt could have a bright future with expected improvement. 9TH -- LA REINE LIONNE (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]) was tons the best in here under Ramon Dominguez, taking command nearing the final turn and striding home easily for trainer Chad Brown. The filly could evolve into a stakes player very soon. Sunday (8/21) 2ND -- SPARE CHANGE (Bernardini) took over approaching the half-mile mark and powered clear to a smart eight-length score in this one for McGaughey. The well-bred juvenile miss is bred to run longer and could be any type going forward, on any surface. 5TH -- CEASE (War Front) benefited from this race coming off the turf but was no fluke in here, drawing off to a huge 13 1/2-length win for conditioner Al Stall Jr. The gelded four-year-old had no trouble with this distance and impressed with a final eighth in :12 4/5 over this tiring oval. Monday (8/22) 7TH -- The well-bred AMERICAN ANGEL (Ghostzapper) benefited from the cut back in distance, and gamely rallied in the lane to take this one for Allen Jerkens. The talented sophomore miss ran down a clear one inside the final furlong, and was flattered some when the runner-up was more than nine lengths clear of third. A Look Ahead Saturday marks the signature day of this superb meeting, with the feature coming in the form of the $1 million Travers S. (G1). Also on Saturday is the $250,000 Ballerina S. (G1), $250,000 King's Bishop S. (G1), $200,000 Ballston Spa S. (G2) and the $100,000 Victory Ride S. (G3). Sunday hosts the $300,000 Personal Ensign S. (G1), while the $200,000 Bernard Baruch H. (G2) is on Friday.
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