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Racing Headlines
Quality Road eyes first breeze for Pletcher Florida Derby (G1) winner QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality), who missed the Triple Crown because of quarter-crack issues, has been galloping steadily for new trainer Todd Pletcher. The Edward Evans homebred is on the verge of breezing as his connections look toward a possible start in the $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga on August 1. "He's fairly close to a breeze, probably some time in the next week or so," Pletcher said. "We've been working around a rain schedule, and he should be ready with a few more gallops on a good track." Quality Road was an early favorite for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1) while under the care of Jimmy Jerkens, but developed a quarter-crack in his right front foot that ruled him out of the classics. He returned to the worktab on June 8, breezing three furlongs in :38 4/5, and was transferred from Jerkens to Pletcher the following week. Another three-year-old on the comeback trail is the Steve Asmussen-trained HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown), who has been sidelined since his subpar eighth-place finish in the Gotham S. (G3). The impressive winner of the Damon Runyon S., Count Fleet S. and Whirlaway S. over the winter, Haynesfield has been training well at Belmont Park. "He's getting ready for a breeze and looking toward a fall campaign," assistant trainer Toby Sheets said.
Breeding & Sales News
State City sires first winner Dubai highweight sprinter STATE CITY (Carson City) recorded his first winner as a freshman sire Thursday night when Green N Goldie scored in the 5TH race at Churchill Downs. Trained by Angel Montano Sr. and guided by Miguel Mena, the chestnut juvenile prompted the pace before seizing command at the top of the stretch. Green N Goldie crossed the wire three-quarters of a length in front while completing 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:06 4/5 on the fast track. Initially based in Dubai, State City broke his maiden as a juvenile going about one mile at Nad al Sheba. The chestnut continued that winning form in his first two outings in allowance company as a three-year-old, rolling by 2 3/4 lengths and 3 1/4 lengths, respectively, before finishing third in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3). State City failed to stay the about 1 1/4-mile trip of the U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2), where he wound up 11th. State City would rebound with a vengeance at the following year's Carnival, developing into the Emirates' champion sprinter in 2003. An impressive 3 3/4-length winner of an allowance on Nad al Sheba's about six-furlong straightaway, he later added the Jebel Ali Sprint in grand style. State City closed with authority to garner the about five-furlong dash in a final time of :57.34, and in the process, obliterated the Jebel Ali track record by about 1 1/2 seconds. Two starts later, State City earned his signature victory in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1). The Paddy Rudkin charge powered home to defeat American invaders Avanzado (Arg) and Captain Squire, and was thereafter snapped up by Godolphin and dispatched to the United States. State City's best stateside finish was a third in the Tom Fool H. (G2), and he retired with $1,375,993 in earnings from a 17-6-0-3 line. State City was produced by English stakes heroine Wajna (Nureyev), a half-sister to Oak Tree Invitational (G1) victor Navarone (Irish River [Fr]) and Lawrence Realization S. (G2) winner Moon Spirit (Hatchet Man). State City's third dam is *Moon Dancer II (Never Give In), Ireland's top two-year-old filly of 1965. This is the family of Queen's Plate S. winner Son of Briartic (Briartic), and at a further remove, Italian champion mare Dubian (GB) (High Line). The 10-year-old State City stands at Buck Pond Farm near Versailles, Kentucky, for $5,000, live foal.
Racing Headlines
Quality Road eyes first breeze for Pletcher Florida Derby (G1) winner QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality), who missed the Triple Crown because of quarter-crack issues, has been galloping steadily for new trainer Todd Pletcher. The Edward Evans homebred is on the verge of breezing as his connections look toward a possible start in the $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga on August 1. "He's fairly close to a breeze, probably some time in the next week or so," Pletcher said. "We've been working around a rain schedule, and he should be ready with a few more gallops on a good track." Quality Road was an early favorite for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1) while under the care of Jimmy Jerkens, but developed a quarter-crack in his right front foot that ruled him out of the classics. He returned to the worktab on June 8, breezing three furlongs in :38 4/5, and was transferred from Jerkens to Pletcher the following week. Another three-year-old on the comeback trail is the Steve Asmussen-trained HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown), who has been sidelined since his subpar eighth-place finish in the Gotham S. (G3). The impressive winner of the Damon Runyon S., Count Fleet S. and Whirlaway S. over the winter, Haynesfield has been training well at Belmont Park. "He's getting ready for a breeze and looking toward a fall campaign," assistant trainer Toby Sheets said. River Downs celebrates 'Jockeys Across America' A trifecta of events will be taking place at River Downs on Saturday for July 4. The first Saturday in July is traditionally dubbed "Jockeys Across America Day" and that title activity will be joined by a "BBQ and Blues" event in the track's paddock area. The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund is the beneficiary of "Jockeys Across America Day." It was set up by jockey Chris McCarron and his wife, Judy, along with comedian Tim Conway to assist injured riders. This is the 21st year that River Downs has participated. One of the unique features of the day will be the silent auction featuring some great catches for collectors. The potential sales-topper is a guitar autographed by Jimmy Buffet donated by Inside Media. Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning jockey Calvin Borel has donated autographed photos of him aboard Mine That Bird (Birdstone) and Preakness S. (G1) winner Rachael Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). He has also signed an official Kentucky Derby Program along with trainer Chip Woolley. In addition there are many tickets to sporting events, equine art, photography and gift certificates to local amusements and restaurants. The silent auction items will go on display at 1 p.m. (EDT) and the auction will end approximately 5 p.m. The jockeys will be available throughout the afternoon for photo opportunities and autograph sessions. The day will kick off with the annual jockey's footrace prior to the first race. In addition to Jockeys Across America festivities, award-winning Bluesman Sonny Moorman will head up a BBQ and Blues Fest featuring delicacies from the Rib City Grill. Moorman, who is back by popular request from the 2008 event, will perform in the paddock area from 4-7 p.m. For a real close up and personal visit with the jockeys, join them after the races at A.J.'s Roadhouse. The jocks will be guest bartenders and servers at A.J.'s located just east of River Downs on Kellogg Road. They'll pose for pictures or partner up with fans for some charitable Cornhole Bean Bag competition. As always, general parking and admission is free at River Downs and there are free Pony Rides in the paddock on Saturdays and Sundays. Live racing starts at 1:20 p.m. on Saturday. Fans wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to the Don MacBeth Fund may do so at Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, P.O. Box 18470, Encino, CA, 91416. For more information, contact Director of Publicity John Engelhardt at 513-354-8243 or johne@riverdowns.com. River Downs celebrates 'Jockeys Across America' A trifecta of events will be taking place at River Downs on Saturday for July 4. The first Saturday in July is traditionally dubbed "Jockeys Across America Day" and that title activity will be joined by a "BBQ and Blues" event in the track's paddock area. The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund is the beneficiary of "Jockeys Across America Day." It was set up by jockey Chris McCarron and his wife, Judy, along with comedian Tim Conway to assist injured riders. This is the 21st year that River Downs has participated. One of the unique features of the day will be the silent auction featuring some great catches for collectors. The potential sales-topper is a guitar autographed by Jimmy Buffet donated by Inside Media. Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning jockey Calvin Borel has donated autographed photos of him aboard Mine That Bird (Birdstone) and Preakness S. (G1) winner Rachael Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). He has also signed an official Kentucky Derby Program along with trainer Chip Woolley. In addition there are many tickets to sporting events, equine art, photography and gift certificates to local amusements and restaurants. The silent auction items will go on display at 1 p.m. (EDT) and the auction will end approximately 5 p.m. The jockeys will be available throughout the afternoon for photo opportunities and autograph sessions. The day will kick off with the annual jockey's footrace prior to the first race. In addition to Jockeys Across America festivities, award-winning Bluesman Sonny Moorman will head up a BBQ and Blues Fest featuring delicacies from the Rib City Grill. Moorman, who is back by popular request from the 2008 event, will perform in the paddock area from 4-7 p.m. For a real close up and personal visit with the jockeys, join them after the races at A.J.'s Roadhouse. The jocks will be guest bartenders and servers at A.J.'s located just east of River Downs on Kellogg Road. They'll pose for pictures or partner up with fans for some charitable Cornhole Bean Bag competition. As always, general parking and admission is free at River Downs and there are free Pony Rides in the paddock on Saturdays and Sundays. Live racing starts at 1:20 p.m. on Saturday. Fans wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to the Don MacBeth Fund may do so at Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, P.O. Box 18470, Encino, CA, 91416. For more information, contact Director of Publicity John Engelhardt at 513-354-8243 or johne@riverdowns.com. Gozzip Girl, Mrs Kipling bookend American Oaks
In contrast, the two fillies last seen at Belmont Park will break from the two innermost posts. Sands Point S. (G2) winner GOZZIP GIRL (Dynaformer), the more accomplished of the pair, has secured the rail with Kent Desormeaux. Trained by Tom Albertrani, Gozzip Girl captured the Herecomesthebride S. (G3) and Coconut Grove S. at Gulfstream earlier this season, and was also a near-miss runner-up in the Ashland S. (G1) over Keeneland's Polytrack. MAGICAL AFFAIR (Giant's Causeway), a terrific second in the Edgewood S. at Churchill, could muster only fourth behind Gozzip Girl in the Sands Point. The Michael Matz trainee will try to reverse the form on firm turf beneath Julien Leparoux. The three international invitees -- APPLE CHARLOTTE (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]), RARE RANSOM (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) and PUTTANESCA (NZ) (Bertolini) -- have drawn posts 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Apple Charlotte ships in from England for Henry Cecil, and Mike Smith picks up the mount. The bay filly is a proven commodity at the 1 1/4-mile trip, having won the Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial S. and lost an agonizing photo in the Lord Weinstock Memorial S. last time out. The New Zealand-bred Puttanesca also boasts a victory over this distance, courtesy of an up-in-time score in the Royal S. (NZ-G2). The Wayne Hillis pupil has also collected three group placings, including a couple of tight finishes in the Desert Gold S. (NZ-G3) and Eulogy S. (NZ-G3). After a 10-week freshening, she recently returned to post a pair of near-miss efforts versus lesser company, likely tighteners in advance of her major target. Top Australian rider Glen Boss comes in to get acquainted with the chestnut, who will carry the top weight of 125 pounds as a four-year-old by Northern Hemisphere reckoning. Irish horseman Dermot Weld, who shipped Dimitrova to win the 2003 American Oaks, will be represented by the Group 2-placed Rare Ransom. A winner against older males at Gowran in her sophomore bow, she comes off a fourth in the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1). Stable rider Pat Smullen will guide the bay. Other contenders in the main body of the field include Providencia S. (G2) scorer ACTING LADY (Theatrical [Ire]), most recently second to Well Monied in the Honeymoon; Appalachian S. (G3) queen AFTERNOON STROLL (Stroll), who comes off a third in the American One Thousand Guineas at Arlington Park; Regret S. (G3) runner-up THE BEST DAY EVER (Brahms); and THIRD DAWN (Sky Mesa), second by a nose in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and most recently third in the Hollywood Oaks (G2) on Cushion Track. Other than Puttanesca, the remaining fillies will each tote 121 pounds.
Bob Baffert will saddle the lightly-raced but highly-regarded sophomore ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song), who has won both of his attempts sprinting on synthetic surfaces. The gray was a smashing maiden winner at Santa Anita in February, and after tiring late in a two-turn experiment, he got back on track with a driving allowance/optional claiming score over the track. Victor Espinoza will reunite with the speed-burner, who gets in with 111 pounds. SIREN LURE (Joyeux Danseur), hero of the 2006 edition of the Triple Bend, seems to be rounding back into form and will be looking to reclaim his crown in this test. Victorious in the Golden Gate Fields Sprint S. earlier this season, he was most recently fourth by just 1 1/2 lengths in the Los Angeles H. (G3). The Art Sherman-trained eight-year-old will have Frank Alvarado aboard while toting a 118-pound impost. Also entered are Grade 2 winner REBELLION (GB) (Mozart [Ire]), runner-up as the defending champion in the Commonwealth S. (G2) two back; Ack Ack second RUSH WITH THUNDER (Tribal Rule); and BET ON VICTOR (Yankee Victor), who filled the place spot in the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3) last out. In brief Repole Stable's GO GO SHOOT (Songandaprayer), the 6-5 favorite, pressed the pace from the start, took command after a half-mile and held off the late charge of 8-5 second choice Timely Advice (A.P. Indy) to prevail by a half-length in Friday's $78,300 Mr. Prospector S. at Monmouth Park. The Bruce Levine pupil covered six furlongs in a swift 1:08 3/5 over the fast track with Eddie Castro in the saddle. The Florida-bred is now a five-time stakes winner and entered this race off a 9 1/2-length romp in the Longfellow S. over the same course and distance on June 6. His record now stands at 13-6-0-1, $274,883... Benefiting from a close-up trip on a dawdling pace, Mr. Amore Stable's AMERICAN BORDER (Boundary) had more than enough left to gamely hold off Quiet Meadow (El Prado [Ire]) in a stretch-long duel to capture the $70,000 Miss Liberty S. by a head at Monmouth on Friday. Tracking splits of :26, :52 3/5 and 1:17 2/5 on the good turf, the five-year-old came home in 1:45 1/5 for 1 1/16 miles under Elvis Trujillo. Trained by Jason Servis, American Border was winning only the second stakes of her long career, having also accounted for an 11-1 upset of the Violet S. (G3) at the Meadowlands last October. Her bankroll surged to $314,370 from a line of 41-10-9-7... Team Valor International's JAZZY (Arg) (Mutakddim), winless since taking the 2007 Gallant Bloom H. (G2) on the main track, ended her lengthy drought with a come-from-behind victory in Friday's $68,200 Caress S. over Belmont Park's yielding inner turf. The 24-1 chance prevailed by a half-length under Alan Garcia, finishing six furlongs in 1:12 2/5. It was the fourth career stakes triumph for the Mark Hennig trainee, who was Group 1-placed in South Africa prior to her importation. Her record now stands at 21-6-4-2, $296,631... Godolphin announced on Friday its purchase of the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and St James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) runner-up DELEGATOR (Dansili [GB]) for an undisclosed sum. Owned and bred by Poilin Good, the colt was campaigned by Brian Meehan to win Newmarket's Craven S. (Eng-G3) on April 16 before finding Sea the Stars (Cape Cross [Ire]) and Mastercraftsman (Danehill Dancer) too strong in that track's May 2 mile classic and in the June 16 Royal Ascot event, respectively. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's operation had also secured Cheveley Park Stud's Horris Hill S. (Eng-G3) scorer EVASIVE (Elusive Quality) earlier in the week and Simon Crisford told the Racing Post, "Delegator is top class and were are very excited to have bought him. There are no plans at the moment, but we will look forward to seeing him racing later in the season and next year as well."... Eight Ontario-bred juveniles will go 5 1/2 furlongs on Saturday in the C$150,000 Clarendon S. at Woodbine. SIR HEART THROB (Olmodavor), a 2 1/2-length maiden debut winner on May 10, is the only one in the field with prior stakes experience, running fourth in the Victoria S. most recently. Also entered are WHO'S BIG DADDY (Where's the Ring), TAKIDDM (Mutakddim) and MOBTHEWARRIOR (Mobil), the only other winners in the field... Mountaineer Park will present three stakes on Saturday as part of their July 4 card, and the $75,000 Firecracker S. will get the show started in the 7TH race. A field of 11 turf distaffers have been entered in the one-mile test, including SI SI MON AMIE (El Corredor), an easy six-length winner of this race last year. Also set to line up are last-out allowance heroines SATANS QUICK CHICK (Sky Mesa) and ORIENTAL SUNSHINE (Medaglia d'Oro). One race later in the $75,000 Independence Day S., 12 turf runners will also take on eight furlongs, headlined by Memorial Day H. scorer BLUES STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) and CRIMSON COMIC (Distorted Humor), a 3 1/2-length victor of the Slipton Fell H. on Mountaineer's main track last out. The stakes action will conclude in the $75,000 Dale Baird Memorial S. RUN BROTHER RUN (Perfect Mandate), a dominant 20 1/4-length winner in a June 2 allowance over the main track, will take on 5 1/2 furlongs and nine rivals who include GRAND TRAVERSE (Pioneering), a nice fourth in the Maryland Sprint H. (G3) last out... Sunday's $200,000 Tom Fool H. (G2) at Belmont Park has attracted a small but select field of five sprinters. Grade 1 star FABULOUS STRIKE (Smart Strike), who is zero-for-three at seven furlongs, must concede between eight and 13 pounds while trying to answer that distance question. Runner-up in the General George H. (G2) and Carter H. (G1) at this trip earlier in the year, the six-year-old veteran is exiting a victory in the six-furlong True North H. (G2). The 123-pound highweight is likely to get a stern test from the Todd Pletcher-trained sophomore MUNNINGS (Speightstown), an impressive 5 1/4-length winner of the Woody Stephens S. (G2) at this track and trip, who gets in with a feathery 112 pounds; DRIVEN BY SUCCESS (Precise End), third in the Carter and Metropolitan H. (G1) in his past two; and Metropolitan fifth RILEY TUCKER (Harlan's Holiday), who was a smashing allowance winner at Churchill going seven furlongs two starts back for Bob Baffert... Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) heroine TIZAQUEENA (Tiznow) tops an eight-horse field set for Sunday's $100,000 Locust Grove H. (G3), the closing-day feature at Churchill Downs. The Michael Stidham trainee exits a third-place effort to Acoma (Empire Maker) and Pure Clan (Pure Prize) in the 1 1/16-mile Mint Julep H. (G3) over the course, and might prosper back at a flat mile in this spot. Other prime contenders include the speedy TENSAS YUCATAN (Ide), who earned her fourth career stakes score in the Honeymoon S. at Louisiana Downs last time out; stakes veterans ZEE ZEE (Exchange Rate) and NAMASTE'S WISH (Pulpit); and last year's Pucker Up S. (G3) winner CLOSEOUT (Repriced), a closer who could capitalize on the abundance of early speed here... Swale S. (G2) third-placer CUSTOM FOR CARLOS (More Than Ready), a six-length allowance winner at Churchill Downs most recently, heads a short field of five sprinters in Sunday's $200,000 Jersey Shore S. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Stakes victor HAPPY BULL (Yonaguska) and recent allowance winner SNAPSHOT (Awesome Again) are also entered in the six-furlong event for three-year-olds. A few races earlier on the program, eight sophomores are entered in the $65,000 Choice S. over nine grassy furlongs. LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (Bernstein) and FINAL COUNT (Smart Strike) both figure to draw support... WOODSMOKE (Langfuhr) will bid to remain perfect in sprints when lining up in Sunday's C$150,000 Ontario Damsel S. for Ontario-bred fillies at Woodbine. Successful in the Fury S. going seven furlongs on Polytrack, she suffered her lone career loss in the 1 1/16-mile La Lorgnette S., where she weakened to finish eighth. The Gustav Schickedanz homebred rebounded next time out in the 6 1/2-furlong Alywow S. on the turf, just hanging on by a nose. The Ontario Damsel is contested at the same course and distance as her narrow scrape in the Alywow, but only four rivals have dared to oppose Woodsmoke Sunday. The most attractive upset candidate could be MULLINS BEACH (Speightstown) from the Malcolm Pierce barn. Last seen finishing third in the Fury, the Melnyk Stables homebred broke her maiden over the Woodbine turf last summer... Jockey Calvin Borel will autograph photos at Belmont Park on Saturday from 2-2:45 p.m. (EDT). Borel, regular rider of Preakness S. (G1) and Mother Goose (G1) winner RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro), will sign 8x10 glossy, color copies of the filly from the June 27 Mother Goose, a race in which she shattered two stakes records -- margin of victory and final time. The bay sophomore defeated her two rivals by a 19 1/4-length margin, considerably more than the 13 1/2-length victory achieved by the great Ruffian in 1975, and completed the race in 1:46.33, besting Lakeway's previous record of 1:46.58 set in 1994. Borel, in town Saturday to ride Warrior's Reward (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Dwyer S. (G2), narrowly missed a chance to be the first jockey in history to win all three Triple Crown races aboard two different horses. After a major upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Mine That Bird (Birdstone), Borel took off the gelding to ride Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, making history when she became the first filly in 85 years to win that race. Back on Mine That Bird in the Belmont S. (G1), Borel finished third behind Summer Bird (Birdstone) and Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song). The autograph-signing will take place outside of The NYRA Store on the second floor of the Belmont Clubhouse. Autographed photos are $10 each, with all proceeds going to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund... Sunday has been designated as "Earlie Fires Day" at Arlington Park, and at least four generations of Chicagoans get one last chance to cheer the local legend who retired from the saddle on closing day of Arlington's 2008 meeting. As an added incentive, the first 2,500 fans to purchase tickets online for Sunday's Earlie Fires Day at the races will receive a special Earlie Fires Commemorative Print and the opportunity to meet Earlie and get the print signed by both Earlie and artist Celeste Susany. Born 62 years ago in Rivervale, Arkansas, the longtime resident of Palatine, Illinois, boasts six Arlington riding titles -- in 1966, 1969 (in a tie with Craig Perret), 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1984. He also has the distinction of being a meet's leading rider in four different decades, including titles at Hawthorne, Hialeah, Calder, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream and the old Miles Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Also worthy of mention -- after riding the first of his 2,886 Arlington winners 42 years ago -- Fires kept that unprecedented local win streak alive each Arlington Park meeting until his retirement last fall. Among his numerous career honors, in addition to his induction in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at Saratoga Springs, New York, in 2001, Fires was the recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1991... LIME SQUEEZE (Exceed and Excel), an unraced three-year-old filly, topped Friday's one-day Inglis Winter Thoroughbred Sale at A$26,000 in Sydney. Cataloged as Hip No. 76, the three-quarter sister to Group 3 winner Get Square (Redoute's Choice) was purchased by Redman Park. A total of 130 head brought A$525,100, for an average of A$4,039. Next year's sale, slated for June 27, will be conducted as a racehorse and yearling sale, merging with the Australian Weanling and Breeding Stock Sale Select and General sessions held on June 24 and 25. "It makes sense with the close proximity of these sales to amalgamate them," Inglis Bloodstock Director Jonathan D'Arcy said. "It will also suit some studs with later yearlings that also have breeding stock to sell to bring them to market at the one time." A colt by Kahal (GB) out of the Salaadim mare Absolut Star led the way at Friday's opening session of the Sibaya Yearling Sale in South Africa, bringing R240,000 from Intercontinental Bloodstock. A total of 127 lots brought R7,355,000, for an average of R57,913. The aggregate was down 22 percent from last year's R9,435,000. "In the present economic climate, it was good to see that many breeders were willing to let their stock go instead of hanging on," BloodStock SA's CEO Jan Naude said. "The decline in turnover was in line with the one recorded at the Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale so it's fair to say we're holding our own." Gozzip Girl, Mrs Kipling bookend American Oaks
In contrast, the two fillies last seen at Belmont Park will break from the two innermost posts. Sands Point S. (G2) winner GOZZIP GIRL (Dynaformer), the more accomplished of the pair, has secured the rail with Kent Desormeaux. Trained by Tom Albertrani, Gozzip Girl captured the Herecomesthebride S. (G3) and Coconut Grove S. at Gulfstream earlier this season, and was also a near-miss runner-up in the Ashland S. (G1) over Keeneland's Polytrack. MAGICAL AFFAIR (Giant's Causeway), a terrific second in the Edgewood S. at Churchill, could muster only fourth behind Gozzip Girl in the Sands Point. The Michael Matz trainee will try to reverse the form on firm turf beneath Julien Leparoux. The three international invitees -- APPLE CHARLOTTE (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]), RARE RANSOM (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) and PUTTANESCA (NZ) (Bertolini) -- have drawn posts 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Apple Charlotte ships in from England for Henry Cecil, and Mike Smith picks up the mount. The bay filly is a proven commodity at the 1 1/4-mile trip, having won the Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial S. and lost an agonizing photo in the Lord Weinstock Memorial S. last time out. The New Zealand-bred Puttanesca also boasts a victory over this distance, courtesy of an up-in-time score in the Royal S. (NZ-G2). The Wayne Hillis pupil has also collected three group placings, including a couple of tight finishes in the Desert Gold S. (NZ-G3) and Eulogy S. (NZ-G3). After a 10-week freshening, she recently returned to post a pair of near-miss efforts versus lesser company, likely tighteners in advance of her major target. Top Australian rider Glen Boss comes in to get acquainted with the chestnut, who will carry the top weight of 125 pounds as a four-year-old by Northern Hemisphere reckoning. Irish horseman Dermot Weld, who shipped Dimitrova to win the 2003 American Oaks, will be represented by the Group 2-placed Rare Ransom. A winner against older males at Gowran in her sophomore bow, she comes off a fourth in the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1). Stable rider Pat Smullen will guide the bay. Other contenders in the main body of the field include Providencia S. (G2) scorer ACTING LADY (Theatrical [Ire]), most recently second to Well Monied in the Honeymoon; Appalachian S. (G3) queen AFTERNOON STROLL (Stroll), who comes off a third in the American One Thousand Guineas at Arlington Park; Regret S. (G3) runner-up THE BEST DAY EVER (Brahms); and THIRD DAWN (Sky Mesa), second by a nose in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and most recently third in the Hollywood Oaks (G2) on Cushion Track. Other than Puttanesca, the remaining fillies will each tote 121 pounds.
Bob Baffert will saddle the lightly-raced but highly-regarded sophomore ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song), who has won both of his attempts sprinting on synthetic surfaces. The gray was a smashing maiden winner at Santa Anita in February, and after tiring late in a two-turn experiment, he got back on track with a driving allowance/optional claiming score over the track. Victor Espinoza will reunite with the speed-burner, who gets in with 111 pounds. SIREN LURE (Joyeux Danseur), hero of the 2006 edition of the Triple Bend, seems to be rounding back into form and will be looking to reclaim his crown in this test. Victorious in the Golden Gate Fields Sprint S. earlier this season, he was most recently fourth by just 1 1/2 lengths in the Los Angeles H. (G3). The Art Sherman-trained eight-year-old will have Frank Alvarado aboard while toting a 118-pound impost. Also entered are Grade 2 winner REBELLION (GB) (Mozart [Ire]), runner-up as the defending champion in the Commonwealth S. (G2) two back; Ack Ack second RUSH WITH THUNDER (Tribal Rule); and BET ON VICTOR (Yankee Victor), who filled the place spot in the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3) last out. In brief Repole Stable's GO GO SHOOT (Songandaprayer), the 6-5 favorite, pressed the pace from the start, took command after a half-mile and held off the late charge of 8-5 second choice Timely Advice (A.P. Indy) to prevail by a half-length in Friday's $78,300 Mr. Prospector S. at Monmouth Park. The Bruce Levine pupil covered six furlongs in a swift 1:08 3/5 over the fast track with Eddie Castro in the saddle. The Florida-bred is now a five-time stakes winner and entered this race off a 9 1/2-length romp in the Longfellow S. over the same course and distance on June 6. His record now stands at 13-6-0-1, $274,883... Benefiting from a close-up trip on a dawdling pace, Mr. Amore Stable's AMERICAN BORDER (Boundary) had more than enough left to gamely hold off Quiet Meadow (El Prado [Ire]) in a stretch-long duel to capture the $70,000 Miss Liberty S. by a head at Monmouth on Friday. Tracking splits of :26, :52 3/5 and 1:17 2/5 on the good turf, the five-year-old came home in 1:45 1/5 for 1 1/16 miles under Elvis Trujillo. Trained by Jason Servis, American Border was winning only the second stakes of her long career, having also accounted for an 11-1 upset of the Violet S. (G3) at the Meadowlands last October. Her bankroll surged to $314,370 from a line of 41-10-9-7... Team Valor International's JAZZY (Arg) (Mutakddim), winless since taking the 2007 Gallant Bloom H. (G2) on the main track, ended her lengthy drought with a come-from-behind victory in Friday's $68,200 Caress S. over Belmont Park's yielding inner turf. The 24-1 chance prevailed by a half-length under Alan Garcia, finishing six furlongs in 1:12 2/5. It was the fourth career stakes triumph for the Mark Hennig trainee, who was Group 1-placed in South Africa prior to her importation. Her record now stands at 21-6-4-2, $296,631... Godolphin announced on Friday its purchase of the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and St James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) runner-up DELEGATOR (Dansili [GB]) for an undisclosed sum. Owned and bred by Poilin Good, the colt was campaigned by Brian Meehan to win Newmarket's Craven S. (Eng-G3) on April 16 before finding Sea the Stars (Cape Cross [Ire]) and Mastercraftsman (Danehill Dancer) too strong in that track's May 2 mile classic and in the June 16 Royal Ascot event, respectively. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's operation had also secured Cheveley Park Stud's Horris Hill S. (Eng-G3) scorer EVASIVE (Elusive Quality) earlier in the week and Simon Crisford told the Racing Post, "Delegator is top class and were are very excited to have bought him. There are no plans at the moment, but we will look forward to seeing him racing later in the season and next year as well."... Eight Ontario-bred juveniles will go 5 1/2 furlongs on Saturday in the C$150,000 Clarendon S. at Woodbine. SIR HEART THROB (Olmodavor), a 2 1/2-length maiden debut winner on May 10, is the only one in the field with prior stakes experience, running fourth in the Victoria S. most recently. Also entered are WHO'S BIG DADDY (Where's the Ring), TAKIDDM (Mutakddim) and MOBTHEWARRIOR (Mobil), the only other winners in the field... Mountaineer Park will present three stakes on Saturday as part of their July 4 card, and the $75,000 Firecracker S. will get the show started in the 7TH race. A field of 11 turf distaffers have been entered in the one-mile test, including SI SI MON AMIE (El Corredor), an easy six-length winner of this race last year. Also set to line up are last-out allowance heroines SATANS QUICK CHICK (Sky Mesa) and ORIENTAL SUNSHINE (Medaglia d'Oro). One race later in the $75,000 Independence Day S., 12 turf runners will also take on eight furlongs, headlined by Memorial Day H. scorer BLUES STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) and CRIMSON COMIC (Distorted Humor), a 3 1/2-length victor of the Slipton Fell H. on Mountaineer's main track last out. The stakes action will conclude in the $75,000 Dale Baird Memorial S. RUN BROTHER RUN (Perfect Mandate), a dominant 20 1/4-length winner in a June 2 allowance over the main track, will take on 5 1/2 furlongs and nine rivals who include GRAND TRAVERSE (Pioneering), a nice fourth in the Maryland Sprint H. (G3) last out... Sunday's $200,000 Tom Fool H. (G2) at Belmont Park has attracted a small but select field of five sprinters. Grade 1 star FABULOUS STRIKE (Smart Strike), who is zero-for-three at seven furlongs, must concede between eight and 13 pounds while trying to answer that distance question. Runner-up in the General George H. (G2) and Carter H. (G1) at this trip earlier in the year, the six-year-old veteran is exiting a victory in the six-furlong True North H. (G2). The 123-pound highweight is likely to get a stern test from the Todd Pletcher-trained sophomore MUNNINGS (Speightstown), an impressive 5 1/4-length winner of the Woody Stephens S. (G2) at this track and trip, who gets in with a feathery 112 pounds; DRIVEN BY SUCCESS (Precise End), third in the Carter and Metropolitan H. (G1) in his past two; and Metropolitan fifth RILEY TUCKER (Harlan's Holiday), who was a smashing allowance winner at Churchill going seven furlongs two starts back for Bob Baffert... Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) heroine TIZAQUEENA (Tiznow) tops an eight-horse field set for Sunday's $100,000 Locust Grove H. (G3), the closing-day feature at Churchill Downs. The Michael Stidham trainee exits a third-place effort to Acoma (Empire Maker) and Pure Clan (Pure Prize) in the 1 1/16-mile Mint Julep H. (G3) over the course, and might prosper back at a flat mile in this spot. Other prime contenders include the speedy TENSAS YUCATAN (Ide), who earned her fourth career stakes score in the Honeymoon S. at Louisiana Downs last time out; stakes veterans ZEE ZEE (Exchange Rate) and NAMASTE'S WISH (Pulpit); and last year's Pucker Up S. (G3) winner CLOSEOUT (Repriced), a closer who could capitalize on the abundance of early speed here... Swale S. (G2) third-placer CUSTOM FOR CARLOS (More Than Ready), a six-length allowance winner at Churchill Downs most recently, heads a short field of five sprinters in Sunday's $200,000 Jersey Shore S. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Stakes victor HAPPY BULL (Yonaguska) and recent allowance winner SNAPSHOT (Awesome Again) are also entered in the six-furlong event for three-year-olds. A few races earlier on the program, eight sophomores are entered in the $65,000 Choice S. over nine grassy furlongs. LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (Bernstein) and FINAL COUNT (Smart Strike) both figure to draw support... WOODSMOKE (Langfuhr) will bid to remain perfect in sprints when lining up in Sunday's C$150,000 Ontario Damsel S. for Ontario-bred fillies at Woodbine. Successful in the Fury S. going seven furlongs on Polytrack, she suffered her lone career loss in the 1 1/16-mile La Lorgnette S., where she weakened to finish eighth. The Gustav Schickedanz homebred rebounded next time out in the 6 1/2-furlong Alywow S. on the turf, just hanging on by a nose. The Ontario Damsel is contested at the same course and distance as her narrow scrape in the Alywow, but only four rivals have dared to oppose Woodsmoke Sunday. The most attractive upset candidate could be MULLINS BEACH (Speightstown) from the Malcolm Pierce barn. Last seen finishing third in the Fury, the Melnyk Stables homebred broke her maiden over the Woodbine turf last summer... Jockey Calvin Borel will autograph photos at Belmont Park on Saturday from 2-2:45 p.m. (EDT). Borel, regular rider of Preakness S. (G1) and Mother Goose (G1) winner RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro), will sign 8x10 glossy, color copies of the filly from the June 27 Mother Goose, a race in which she shattered two stakes records -- margin of victory and final time. The bay sophomore defeated her two rivals by a 19 1/4-length margin, considerably more than the 13 1/2-length victory achieved by the great Ruffian in 1975, and completed the race in 1:46.33, besting Lakeway's previous record of 1:46.58 set in 1994. Borel, in town Saturday to ride Warrior's Reward (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Dwyer S. (G2), narrowly missed a chance to be the first jockey in history to win all three Triple Crown races aboard two different horses. After a major upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Mine That Bird (Birdstone), Borel took off the gelding to ride Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, making history when she became the first filly in 85 years to win that race. Back on Mine That Bird in the Belmont S. (G1), Borel finished third behind Summer Bird (Birdstone) and Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song). The autograph-signing will take place outside of The NYRA Store on the second floor of the Belmont Clubhouse. Autographed photos are $10 each, with all proceeds going to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund... Sunday has been designated as "Earlie Fires Day" at Arlington Park, and at least four generations of Chicagoans get one last chance to cheer the local legend who retired from the saddle on closing day of Arlington's 2008 meeting. As an added incentive, the first 2,500 fans to purchase tickets online for Sunday's Earlie Fires Day at the races will receive a special Earlie Fires Commemorative Print and the opportunity to meet Earlie and get the print signed by both Earlie and artist Celeste Susany. Born 62 years ago in Rivervale, Arkansas, the longtime resident of Palatine, Illinois, boasts six Arlington riding titles -- in 1966, 1969 (in a tie with Craig Perret), 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1984. He also has the distinction of being a meet's leading rider in four different decades, including titles at Hawthorne, Hialeah, Calder, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream and the old Miles Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Also worthy of mention -- after riding the first of his 2,886 Arlington winners 42 years ago -- Fires kept that unprecedented local win streak alive each Arlington Park meeting until his retirement last fall. Among his numerous career honors, in addition to his induction in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at Saratoga Springs, New York, in 2001, Fires was the recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1991... LIME SQUEEZE (Exceed and Excel), an unraced three-year-old filly, topped Friday's one-day Inglis Winter Thoroughbred Sale at A$26,000 in Sydney. Cataloged as Hip No. 76, the three-quarter sister to Group 3 winner Get Square (Redoute's Choice) was purchased by Redman Park. A total of 130 head brought A$525,100, for an average of A$4,039. Next year's sale, slated for June 27, will be conducted as a racehorse and yearling sale, merging with the Australian Weanling and Breeding Stock Sale Select and General sessions held on June 24 and 25. "It makes sense with the close proximity of these sales to amalgamate them," Inglis Bloodstock Director Jonathan D'Arcy said. "It will also suit some studs with later yearlings that also have breeding stock to sell to bring them to market at the one time." A colt by Kahal (GB) out of the Salaadim mare Absolut Star led the way at Friday's opening session of the Sibaya Yearling Sale in South Africa, bringing R240,000 from Intercontinental Bloodstock. A total of 127 lots brought R7,355,000, for an average of R57,913. The aggregate was down 22 percent from last year's R9,435,000. "In the present economic climate, it was good to see that many breeders were willing to let their stock go instead of hanging on," BloodStock SA's CEO Jan Naude said. "The decline in turnover was in line with the one recorded at the Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale so it's fair to say we're holding our own."
Workout Patrol
On the California worktab Over Hollywood Park's firm turf on Friday, New Zealand Group 2 star PUTTANESCA (NZ) (Bertolini) blew out a half-mile in :51 4/5 for Sunday's American Oaks Invitational (G1). Undefeated Cinderella S. heroine WELL DESERVED (Cactus Ridge), likely prepping for the July 12 Landaluce S., worked six Cushion Track furlongs in 1:14. Promising juvenile SOUTHERN FIREBALL (Southern Image), fourth as the even-money choice in the Cinderella, zipped four panels in :48 2/5. Grade 2 veteran GET FUNKY (Straight Man), fifth as the defending champion in the Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H., clocked :49 3/5. Grade 2 scorer ZAPPA (Afternoon Deelites), most recently third in the Round Table H. (G3), breezed five-eighths in 1:01 4/5. Grade 3 winner TEN MEROPA (Johannesburg), unplaced in his last three tries, traveled three furlongs in :38 3/5 in advance of his 2009 bow. At Santa Anita, Grade 2 hero SKY CAPE (Najran) blitzed five panels in 1:00 2/5 on the Pro-Ride. The Kristin Mulhall charge comes off a smart runner-up effort in the Robert Kerlan. Argentinean Group 2 victor GLOBAL HUNTER (Arg) (Jade Hunter), fifth in the Arcadia H. (G2) in his latest, sizzled six furlongs in a bullet 1:11 1/5. MR. ROD (Scrimshaw), sidelined since capturing the Generous S. (G3) last fall, toured three-eighths in :38 4/5. B. Thoughtful S. queen WAVELINE (Stravinsky), last of seven in the Desert Stormer H., covered five furlongs in 1:00 2/5. On the fast dirt training track, Laz Barrera Memorial S. (G3) runner-up BET ON VICTOR (Yankee Victor) went six panels in 1:15 3/5. The Vladimir Cerin pupil had been entered in Sunday's Triple Bend H. (G1). On the California worktab Over Hollywood Park's firm turf on Friday, New Zealand Group 2 star PUTTANESCA (NZ) (Bertolini) blew out a half-mile in :51 4/5 for Sunday's American Oaks Invitational (G1). Undefeated Cinderella S. heroine WELL DESERVED (Cactus Ridge), likely prepping for the July 12 Landaluce S., worked six Cushion Track furlongs in 1:14. Promising juvenile SOUTHERN FIREBALL (Southern Image), fourth as the even-money choice in the Cinderella, zipped four panels in :48 2/5. Grade 2 veteran GET FUNKY (Straight Man), fifth as the defending champion in the Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H., clocked :49 3/5. Grade 2 scorer ZAPPA (Afternoon Deelites), most recently third in the Round Table H. (G3), breezed five-eighths in 1:01 4/5. Grade 3 winner TEN MEROPA (Johannesburg), unplaced in his last three tries, traveled three furlongs in :38 3/5 in advance of his 2009 bow. At Santa Anita, Grade 2 hero SKY CAPE (Najran) blitzed five panels in 1:00 2/5 on the Pro-Ride. The Kristin Mulhall charge comes off a smart runner-up effort in the Robert Kerlan. Argentinean Group 2 victor GLOBAL HUNTER (Arg) (Jade Hunter), fifth in the Arcadia H. (G2) in his latest, sizzled six furlongs in a bullet 1:11 1/5. MR. ROD (Scrimshaw), sidelined since capturing the Generous S. (G3) last fall, toured three-eighths in :38 4/5. B. Thoughtful S. queen WAVELINE (Stravinsky), last of seven in the Desert Stormer H., covered five furlongs in 1:00 2/5. On the fast dirt training track, Laz Barrera Memorial S. (G3) runner-up BET ON VICTOR (Yankee Victor) went six panels in 1:15 3/5. The Vladimir Cerin pupil had been entered in Sunday's Triple Bend H. (G1). On the Florida worktab Grade 2 veteran MACH RIDE (Pentelicus), last seen running third in the Sunshine Millions Sprint in January 2008, breezed four furlongs in :50 1/5 over the fast main track at Calder on Friday. On the Florida worktab Grade 2 veteran MACH RIDE (Pentelicus), last seen running third in the Sunshine Millions Sprint in January 2008, breezed four furlongs in :50 1/5 over the fast main track at Calder on Friday. On the New York worktab JARDIN (Montbrook), victorious in the Schuylerville S. (G3) last summer but unraced since finishing second in the Spinaway S. (G1) in her follow-up, breezed three furlongs in :36 1/5 over the muddy main track at Belmont Park on Friday. On the New York worktab JARDIN (Montbrook), victorious in the Schuylerville S. (G3) last summer but unraced since finishing second in the Spinaway S. (G1) in her follow-up, breezed three furlongs in :36 1/5 over the muddy main track at Belmont Park on Friday.
Carryover Watch
For Saturday or Next Raceday
Graded Previews
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
A strong field of nine turf runners will travel 1 3/8 miles in the traditional Monmouth Park Holiday feature, the $750,000 United Nations S. (G1). Grade 2 stayer LAURO (Ger) (Monsun) has been out top pick in his last two and we're willing to give him one more chance in this spot for trainer Andreas Wohler. The stubborn six-year-old couldn't accelerate with the field in the Manhattan H. (G1) last out at 10 panels and might be running at a distance shorter than his best in here, but we're envisioning a huge run in his third effort off the bench. The classy dark bay should be tracking in second or third early under Jorge Chavez, prior to getting up in the latter stages. Second by a neck in this race last year, Grade 2 winner STRIKE A DEAL (Smart Strike) had a nice prep for this and should be set for a big showing in his third off the bench. The Alan Goldberg pupil is a better animal at longer distances as opposed to the nine-furlong races he's been in lately, and his experience at this venue gives him a fighting chance beneath Chuckie Lopez. PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) won this race a year ago for trainer Mary Hartman and has been full of heart in his last two races, including a win in the Monmouth S. last out. The speedy gelding will be on the lead early, likely by a comfortable margin, and he'll probably let the field come to him before trying to out-sprint them to the wire. The chestnut has earned our respect with his courage, and we know he adores this oval, so another top showing is looks very possible under Elvis Trujillo. Grade 2 hero SPICE ROUTE (GB) (King's Best) has finished in the top three in seven of his last eight starts, and in his defeats, the chestnut has never been beaten by more than 1 3/4 lengths. The Roger Attfield gelding always runs well and is more than logical to finish in the top three, or possibly win, in this test. Eddie Castro will be aboard the high-level performer. COURT VISION (Gulch) finished fourth in the Manhattan in his latest for Bill Mott and the four-year-old is a proven talent on the lawn. Winner of the Hollywood Derby (G1) in late November, the Kentucky-bred has a strong turn of foot and is adept at handling 1 1/4 miles, so the extra furlong here shouldn't pose a problem in our estimation. The late runner will need a decent early tempo at which to run at beneath Garrett Gomez, and there doesn't appear to be much speed present. BANROCK (Go For Gin) was a touch unlucky not to win the local prep for this, the Monmouth S., but the Tom Bush trainee is in excellent form and can run over any kind of turf. The Empire State-bred is not a proven commodity at this distance but with the inside draw and potential fast early tempo, we see no reason why he can't challenge for a Grade 1-placing under Joe Bravo. WESLEY (El Prado [Ire]) has gotten really good for trainer Mark Hennig, but we just don't see him toppling these rivals in his first try at 1 3/8 miles. We do consider the gray an exotics contender, though. Louisville H. (G3) upsetter BRASS HAT (Prized) proved that he still is capable of competing at this level for Fred "Buff" Bradley. However, the gelded eight-year-old will face a much better field than he saw last out, and while he did conquer a horse we're quite fond of, we don’t have faith that Brass Hat can duplicate that effort in here. BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man) is expected to scratch after reportedly injuring a split bone in a hind leg.
Nine sophomore fillies will dash six furlongs over Belmont Park's main oval in the $300,000 Prioress S. (G1). Acorn S. (G1) heroine GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro) has smoked a pair of bullet half-miles leading up to this for Bob Baffert and is, in our minds, the clear horse to beat in this affair. The ultra-talented filly did receive a dream pace scenario in her last, but she proved that she can rate (on the lead) and she could be the recipient of another perfect trip sitting just off the early pace. The dark bay will be formidable with something resembling her best under Javier Castellano. SELVA (Forest Wildcat) has been first or second in all six of her lifetime tries for trainer David Carroll, finishing a strong second in the Beaumont S. (G2) at Keeneland in her latest race. The dark bay owns excellent tactical speed and a good late kick, and her draw near the outside should be ideal. Rajiv Maragh has the call aboard the Kentucky-bred, who could win with some luck. BE FAIR (Exchange Rate) was a useful fifth in the Acorn last out and might benefit from the cutback in trip for D. Wayne Lukas. The dark bay is fast, and while she's yet to earn a BRIS Speed number higher than 94, we wouldn't be surprised to see her crash the exotics party. LIGHT GREEN (Pleasantly Perfect) has scored BRIS Speed figures of 100 and 104 in her previous two tries, including a romp in the Fall Aspen S. over this strip. The Todd Pletcher charge hasn't been headed in three of her last four races and is peaking at the right time, so we surely can't dismiss her chances for a top three finish in this spot. John Velazquez will ride. HEART ASHLEY (Lion Heart) has rolled to three wins in succession for Steve Asmussen, including the Cicada S. (G3) and Miss Preakness S. (G3) in her previous two tests. The chestnut has compiled monstrous BRIS E2 Speed numbers in her last four suggesting that she'll be in the mix turning for home beneath Edgar Prado. LUSTER (Touch Gold) has steadily improved for Albert Stall Jr. and drew the rail for this endeavor. The Kentucky-bred was a good second in the Dogwood S. (G3) against a repeat winner and she has enough early speed to keep touch early, and while we can't see her winning this, we wouldn't be surprised if she crosses the line in third or fourth under Cornelio Velasquez. CAT MOVES (Tale of the Cat) has toyed with a pair of fields for conditioner Tony Dutrow. The bay filly hasn't beaten anything like the competition here and she's faced only four rivals in each of her two career starts, so it's difficult to back the speedster on this occasion. If the Virginia-bred does beat this field, she'll be something special. ON THE MENU (Canadian Frontier) has been a steady performer against a bit lesser for Larry Jones, winning or placing in four consecutive listed stakes. We're not sure how much more improvement the filly has in her and we're not thrilled about her drawing widest of all, so we feel compelled to let her beat us. REFORESTATION (Forestry) is on the improve and likes this strip, but we can't tab the miss for anything on the class hike.
Ten older handicappers will vie in the 1 1/4-mile, $400,000 Suburban H. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday. Stephen Foster H. (G1) runner-up ASIATIC BOY (Arg) (Not for Sale) was a standout in Dubai earlier in his career and looks capable of regaining that form for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The six-year-old bay was a good second in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) last year at this trip, signaling that he can stay 10 panels at the right venue, and it could be argued that he faced a deeper field last out at Churchill Downs. Alan Garcia will pilot the win threat. The Barclay Tagg-trained DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz) loves a route of ground and has been freshened for this event in hopes of taking down the lucrative winner's share. The Florida-bred, who sizzled a bullet five-eighths in advance of this, is a one-run closer who will need some of those in front of him early to back up, but he may get his wish in this demanding test. We'll certainly use the gray is the exotics at a square price. RISING MOON (Runaway Groom) was a solid third in this event last campaign and he could be ready for a big showing in his third off the bench for trainer Richard Dutrow. The gray six-year-old has good tactical speed and a good draw, so we expect him to be in the second flight early beneath Jose Lezcano before offering a challenge. Multiple stakes star COOL COAL MAN (Mineshaft) has been incredibly consistent as of late for trainer Nick Zito, and the four-year-old rates a long look against these under John Velazquez. The tactical colt should endure a useful trip from just off the pace before putting in his run. FINALLYMADEIT (Concerto) has proven himself in Florida this campaign, picking up a pair of Grade 3 wins while finishing a close second in the Donn H. (G1) this winter. The Javier Negrete charge had no excuses when seventh in the Stephen Foster last out and could have some company on the font end this time, but if he establishes a clear lead in the early going on this day, he can hang on for a minor award. REAL MERCHANT (Chi) (Merchant of Venice) is winless in five starts since coming to the United States and may be a cut below the best in here, but he did register a 109 BRIS Speed rating two starts back at Belmont and merits consideration for the bottom of the vertical plays under Rajiv Maragh. Oaklawn H. (G2) star IT’S A BIRD (Birdonthewire) has come to hand in fine fashion for conditioner Marty Wolfson, rolling home to three wins in his last four, including a tally in the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic earlier this year. The six-year-old Florida-bred will lose his regular rider but pick up an ample sub in Javier Castellano. We just can't see this one negotiating 10 furlongs over this oval and will take stand against the possible favorite. Hard-trying New York-bred STUD MUFFIN (Raffie's Majesty) has been first or second in four straight and six of eight overall at this venue for David Duggan, but his lack of recent wins is of concern against this cast. The five-year-old gray doesn't figure to get tired at this distance, but we're not sure if he's fast enough to keep pace throughout. Cornelio Velasquez has the assignment. READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready) was seventh in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out while receiving a relatively good trip. We've never thought of the Todd Pletcher charge as a natural 10-furlong runner, so we will pass on this colt. SAMHOON (A.P. Indy) struggled in claiming races in recent times before turning it around for Dan Peitz, rolling to two wins over this strip by a combined 6 1/2 lengths. The well-bred bay still needs significant improvement to receive mention against these from the widest post.
A smart field of eight, led by multiple Grade 2 star SMOOTH AIR (Smooth Jazz), will contest Saturday's $250,000 Salvator Mile H. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Transferred to the barn of Chad Brown in advance of this start, Smooth Air has finished worse than third just once, and that came on Pro-Ride in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last fall. The four-year-old colt just missed in a fine runner-up showing in the Metropolitan H. (G1) most recently, the Florida-bred is a Grade 2 winner at this distance and he possesses the tactical speed to be placed virtually anywhere throughout the race. The likely favorite looks imposing. Brazilian Group 1 star RUNFORTHEDOE (Brz) (Our Emblem) exits an even sixth, beaten just four lengths, in the Metropolitan last out for Paulo Lobo, and the colt looks like a big threat in here. The lightly raced four-year-old has run considerably well versus top company since arriving in the United States, and it's safe to say that his preferred ground is dirt. Richard Migliore will be in the irons atop the win candidate. Godolphin Mile S. (UAE-G2) star TWO STEP SALSA (Petionville) is among the best milers around when he's right, and the Godolphin colt could be primed for a huge showing in his second start since arriving from Dubai. The Saeed Bin Suroor trainee has landed in a spot with a plethora of early speed, which could be to his detriment, but Garrett Gomez stays aboard and the colt's natural ability should find him with a huge chance late. The hard-trying KISS THE KID (Lemon Drop Kid) was a solid third in the Philip Iselin H. (G3) over this oval in 2008 and is a dual winner at Monmouth Park for trainer Amy Tarrant. The consistent six-year-old has a bit of class to him, and while he's raced exclusively on the sod in his last seven races, his form is good and he's very versatile. Channing Hill will guide the top-three threat. We have come to like THE ROUNDHOUSE (Fusaichi Pegasus) and his late-running style for Todd Pletcher. We won't be backing him to win, but we'll surely toss him in some of our vertical gimmicks. The chestnut has faced graded foes on five occasions, placing in three of them. If the early tempo is brutal, this one should be rolling late. SOLAR FLARE (Arg) (Salt Lake) "freaked" when rolling home in the Frisk Me Now S. last out over this strip, registering a whopping 109 BRIS Speed figure in the process. The Larry Jones-trained five-year-old is Grade 1-placed in the United States, but he's been a work in progress who has put in more subpar efforts than top ones. We will reluctantly leave him off our of tickets in this spot due to his lack of consistency. COAL PLAY (Mineshaft) has enjoyed his greatest successes at this locale and enters off of a big allowance prep win for the ever-dangerous Nick Zito. Second in the Haskell Invitational H. (G1) last year, the speedy bay is a cut below the best in here but is capable on his best day to run a big one. KEEP LAUGHING (Distorted Humor) has ability, but his connections were probably not excited when they saw how deep this race came up. The dark bay would need major improvement to factor in this one.
Northern Dancer S. (G3) runner-up WARRIOR'S REWARD (Medaglia d'Oro) drew the rail for the $200,000 Dwyer S. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday, and we feel that the colt is a standout against these for conditioner Ian Wilkes. A smart winner in his debut at Gulfstream in late January, the colt finished second in his first try versus winners behind the talented Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song). Following a subpar showing in his graded debut at Tampa, the Kentucky-bred has reeled off a pair of solid efforts, including a sharp allowance score over next-out Woody Stephens S. (G2) winner Munnings (Speightstown) two back. Warrior's Reward should love this distance, and as long as he doesn't get buried on the inside, he should run by this group late beneath Calvin Borel. CONVOCATION (Pulpit) earned a strong BRIS Speed number for his 6 3/4-length maiden romp last out and will make the jump straight to graded foes for Jimmy Jerkens. The bay colt is a bit of a mystery against this type, but we love the aggressive move by his conservative conditioner and will use him underneath in all of our gimmicks at a square price. MASALA (Lion Heart) earned a stout 101 BRIS Speed figure in his first try for Allen Jerkens, defeating a workmanlike field of elders over this oval to prepare for this event. The Florida-bred has never run poorly on dirt and is seemingly improving, so he might be worth a flier if the top one falters. We consider this one, like many, a logical gimmicks threat. AMERICAN DANCE (A.P. Indy) crushed an allowance field in advance of this for Todd Pletcher, toppling some nice older foes in his win. We've never been all that high on the colt and feel that his optimal distances will be much longer than this, but his last was impressive and a repeat of that makes him a factor throughout. John Velazquez has the call. JUST BEN (Speightstown) exploded to a huge win on the Belmont S. (G1) undercard and is sure to take a bunch of money while making his stakes debut for Nick Zito. The talented Virginia-bred has a world of potential and seems to be getting good at the right time. With that said, this field is solid and we are not ready to back this horse at a short price. KENSEI (Mr. Greeley) has put in a trio of solid works in 2009 for Steve Asmussen, including a solid third in the Woody Stephens. The colt has good tactical speed and is quite consistent, so he must be considered as an exotics threat beneath Edgar Prado. SUNDAY SUNRISE (Lemon Drop Kid) finally broke through at the first-level allowance condition after four tries this campaign for Asmussen, but he'll need a major step up to challenge these late.
An excellent field of eight will go postward in the aptly named $150,000 Firecracker H. (G2) over the Churchill Downs turf on Saturday. The ultra-talented SEASPEAK (Mizzen Mast) went postward at 1-5 odds at Lone Star Park last out and did not disappoint, rolling home to a facile 4 3/4-length win in the Dallas Turf Cup H. (G3) for conditioner Ralph Nicks. The classy four-year-old has never been thoroughly beaten in his fine career and couldn't be any sharper presently, so the Kentucky-bred rates a huge chance in here if he can step up just a touch. Robby Albarado has the assignment. PASSAGER (Fr) (Anabaa) can stand up to anything in this field for conditioner Roger Attfield. The smart gelding has been in the mix in all four of his starts since arriving in the United States, but he's failed to close the door on each occasion and is still looking for his first elusive win stateside. He's going to break through eventually, but we'll look for the six-year-old to settle for the place spot beneath Jono Jones. WISE RIVER (Belong to Me) has won or placed in seven of nine tries over this course for Clark Hanna and comes into this event in razor-sharp form. The six-year-old shows a pair of excellent recent preps in advance of this day, and his superb tactical speed gives him a big shot against these. Jamie Theriot will guide the gelding, who should be prominent from the outset. Maker's Mark Mile S. (G1) star MR. SIDNEY (Storm Cat) didn't show much late in his dirt try in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out and returns to his preferred surface in this difficult test for Bill Mott. The late-developing five-year-old has a nice turn of foot and is proven over firm and soft turf, so he's an obvious threat even if he will be overbet. Kent Desormeaux will be in the irons. Dual Grade 1 victor THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) took on the best in the west last out and never wavered, wiring the Shoemaker Mile S. (G1) for Dale Romans. The Churchill-loving gray has four local wins, including a tally in this contest a year ago, but we're concerned about the inconsistent nature of the Kentucky-bred and the fact that he's done a lot of shipping as of late. He could easily prove us wrong, but we're going to omit Thorn Song and look elsewhere. TIZDEJAVU (Tiznow) has won each of his three starts over this lawn for Gregory Fox, including a four-length romp in the Jefferson Cup S. (G2) in the fall. The talented front runner would surely like to see a little give in the lawn, but even with that, it's hard to envision him taking this field all the way beneath Jon Court. We'll only dabble with this one in the lower rungs of the exotics. INCA KING (Sir Cat) is a dual stakes winner over this course and is often a threat on or near the lead for Steve Asmussen. The gelded five-year-old has not impressed thus far in 2009 and is facing a severe test in here, so we'll have to look elsewhere on this occasion. Appleton H. (G3) runner-up ARCTIC CRY (Rahy) is drawn widest of all in here and is a question mark against this caliber of horse, so we'll take a pass on the Eddie Kenneally charge.
Saturday's $150,000 American H. (G2) attracted only six entrants, and MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) could be withdrawn in favor of Sunday's Triple Bend H. (G1) on the Cushion Track. WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) exits a solid fourth in his 2009 debut, the May 25 Shoemaker Mile (G1) in which the multiple Grade 2 winner missed by only a half-length, and we expect to see him move forward here for John Sadler. The five-year-old horse relished the nine-furlong distance when posting a 1 1/4-length score in last year's American, and he's a two-time winner over the course. Whatsthescript owns some tactical speed and probably won't be far back before launching his rally under Joel Rosario. STORM MILITARY (Arg) (Bernstein) almost garnered his first Grade 1 victory when third in the Shoemaker Mile last time, and we expect him to be the lone speed in the spot, with Monterey Jazz opting for a Grade 1 bid on Sunday. The Bobby Frankel-trained seven-year-old has always run well over this course, posting a 4-1-2-1 mark in Inglewood, California, and Brice Blanc has been a good fit in his last two efforts. The dark bay could prove difficult to run down on soft fractions. ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire) (Danehill) is as classy as they come for Richard Mandella, but we like the eight-year-old over a bit more ground. He's dropped three straight starts since capturing the 10-furlong San Marcos S. (G2) in January, but his BRIS numbers have been excellent in those efforts. We'll look for another top three placing from him. We'll try to beat Monterey Jazz if he starts here. The Craig Dollase pupil appears to prefer a flat mile, and he won't get away with soft, uncontested fractions like he did last time when recording a sharp allowance score over the course. The Grade 2 winner is dangerous on his best day, so we can't completely dismiss his chances if he runs. GIANT GEM (Giant's Causeway) will make his stakes debut off of a pair of victories over Hollywood's turf, but he doesn't own the BRIS numbers or seasoning of out top selections. We still respect the improving four-year-old colt and won't be surprised to see him develop into a fine stakes performer for Neil Drysdale, but we'll take a wait-and-see approach with him. BUENOS DIAS (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) offered a decent rally for runner-up honors when making his U.S. bow versus allowance/optional claiming rivals last time, but we'll give the French stakes winner at least one start against graded competition before recommending his chances.
The superb INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos), a winner of four straight including two Grade 1 races in succession, headlines the field for the $150,000 Chicago H. (G3) at Arlington on Saturday. The Jonathan Sheppard charge has been a model of top-notch consistency, winning seven of nine in her lifetime while rolling to three fine wins in three tries on synthetic ovals. We see no reason why the gray standout won't win again beneath Julien Leparoux. AUTHENICAT (D'wildcat) ships in for top conditioner Josie Carroll and rates a long look in this paceless affair. The chestnut filly has finished first or second in 12 of 17 lifetime tries and has the look of the lone horse with any early sped in the field, so we'll tab the chestnut for second under Robert Landry. CHORAGUS (Harlan’s Holiday) endured a subpar prep for this event but still makes sense against this field for trainer Chris Block. The bay Kentucky-bred has good early footing and should be second early in the clear, so if the filly is ever to run a big race, this seems like the appropriate time. Eddie Perez will guide the four-year-old. UNFORGOTTEN (Northern Afleet) is a consistent late runner for trainer Dallas Stewart and her best gives her a big chance at a top-three placing from well off the pace. The Florida-bred earned a lot of money last campaign while winning just once, and we give her a good chance of rallying late for part under Fernando Jara. TIZ TO DREAM (Tiznow) loves the Polytrack at Keeneland, and while she faltered in her lone try at Arlington, the miss has never been much at two turns and should show her best in this elongated sprint. Conditioned by Ian Wilkes, the bay four-year-old is essentially a one-run closer, but the lack of any early pace hurts her chances at a win and she can only been used as an exotics filler. CROWN OF DIAMONDS (Distorted Humor) won her local prep for this for conditioner Eoin Harty but still looks like she's in a bit deep in this affair.
Results
NORTH AMERICAN GRADED STAKES RESULTS
Backtalk offers winning riposte in Bashford Manor Gold Mark Farm's BACKTALK (Smarty Jones) justified 4-5 favoritism, and the high regard of trainer Tom Amoss, when overcoming adversity in Friday's $110,500 Bashford Manor S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. After stumbling at the start, and being bottled up at the top of the stretch, the chestnut colt muscled his way through to win going away by a length. Backtalk, who was coming off a 2 3/4-length debut score beneath the Twin Spires, stopped the teletimer in 1:11 for six fast-track furlongs. Regrouping from his bobbling break, Backtalk took up a stalking role beneath Miguel Mena and rated kindly just off the pace. Meanwhile, Soundman (Songandaprayer) flew out of the gate and rattled off testing splits of :21 4/5 and :45 4/5. Flatter Than Me (Flatter) stalked in second, and Grand Slam Andre (Grand Slam), who also broke awkwardly, recovered to creep into a menacing position on the outside. Flatter Than Me swept into the lead turning into the stretch and opened up a daylight margin at the eighth-pole, getting five furlongs in :58. Grand Slam Andre continued to press his case, and in so doing, he kept Backtalk hemmed in, but he could not keep him locked up for the duration. Driving through a seam the moment it appeared, Backtalk displayed a smart turn of foot to collar Flatter Than Me in the final yards. The popular winner returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.20 while keying the $15 exacta, $78 trifecta and $199.60 superfecta (5-9-3-1). Flatter Than Me, the 7-2 second choice, furnished $3.60 and $3.20. The 12-1 Brassy Boy (Storm and a Half) outfinished Grand Slam Andre by a length for third, yielding $4. Soundman tired to fifth and was followed by Westrock Gold (Touch Gold), Vito Filitto (Mutakddim) and Even Wilder (Even the Score). Mission Impazible (Unbridled's Song), a rallying third in the Kentucky Juvenile (G3) last time out, was withdrawn. Now two-for-two, Backtalk increased his earnings to $90,095. Bred in Florida by Clover Leaf Farms II, he was purchased by his current connections for $250,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. Backtalk is a half-brother to six-time stakes star and multiple Grade 1-placed Bsharpsonata (Pulpit), who scored her biggest victories in the 2008 Forward Gal S. (G2) and Davona Dale S. (G2). They are out of Apasionata Sonata (Affirmed), the winner of the 2003 Kentucky Cup Ladies Turf S, who is also the dam of a yearling colt by First Samurai. Backtalk's second dam is Express Star (Baldski), a seven-time Calder stakes queen. This is also the family of O.B.S. Filly Championship S. heroine Fitz Just Right (Seattle Fitz [Arg]), last seen finishing second in the March 21 Bourbonette Oaks (G3).
Graded Recaps
Backtalk offers winning riposte in Bashford Manor Gold Mark Farm's BACKTALK (Smarty Jones) justified 4-5 favoritism, and the high regard of trainer Tom Amoss, when overcoming adversity in Friday's $110,500 Bashford Manor S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. After stumbling at the start, and being bottled up at the top of the stretch, the chestnut colt muscled his way through to win going away by a length. Backtalk, who was coming off a 2 3/4-length debut score beneath the Twin Spires, stopped the teletimer in 1:11 for six fast-track furlongs. Regrouping from his bobbling break, Backtalk took up a stalking role beneath Miguel Mena and rated kindly just off the pace. Meanwhile, Soundman (Songandaprayer) flew out of the gate and rattled off testing splits of :21 4/5 and :45 4/5. Flatter Than Me (Flatter) stalked in second, and Grand Slam Andre (Grand Slam), who also broke awkwardly, recovered to creep into a menacing position on the outside. Flatter Than Me swept into the lead turning into the stretch and opened up a daylight margin at the eighth-pole, getting five furlongs in :58. Grand Slam Andre continued to press his case, and in so doing, he kept Backtalk hemmed in, but he could not keep him locked up for the duration. Driving through a seam the moment it appeared, Backtalk displayed a smart turn of foot to collar Flatter Than Me in the final yards. The popular winner returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.20 while keying the $15 exacta, $78 trifecta and $199.60 superfecta (5-9-3-1). Flatter Than Me, the 7-2 second choice, furnished $3.60 and $3.20. The 12-1 Brassy Boy (Storm and a Half) outfinished Grand Slam Andre by a length for third, yielding $4. Soundman tired to fifth and was followed by Westrock Gold (Touch Gold), Vito Filitto (Mutakddim) and Even Wilder (Even the Score). Mission Impazible (Unbridled's Song), a rallying third in the Kentucky Juvenile (G3) last time out, was withdrawn. Now two-for-two, Backtalk increased his earnings to $90,095. Bred in Florida by Clover Leaf Farms II, he was purchased by his current connections for $250,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. Backtalk is a half-brother to six-time stakes star and multiple Grade 1-placed Bsharpsonata (Pulpit), who scored her biggest victories in the 2008 Forward Gal S. (G2) and Davona Dale S. (G2). They are out of Apasionata Sonata (Affirmed), the winner of the 2003 Kentucky Cup Ladies Turf S. Backtalk's second dam is Express Star (Baldski), a seven-time Calder stakes queen. This is also the family of O.B.S. Filly Championship S. heroine Fitz Just Right (Seattle Fitz [Arg]), last seen finishing second in the March 21 Bourbonette Oaks (G3).
Results
NORTH AMERICAN NON-GRADED STAKES RESULTS
NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS
Features
LADIES' CLASSIC DIARY JULY 3, 2009
That brings up a very important question, though: Will super filly Rachel Alexandra get a chance to face undefeated super mare ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire])? The answer, according to both Jackson and Zenyatta owner Jerry Moss, is that they would love to have a match-up between the two. That's an answer? Moss did go on to say that he was willing to come east to face Rachel Alexandra, but neither party will commit to a race. Jackson has mentioned the July 19 Delaware H. (G2), July 25 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), August 2 Haskell Invitational (G1), August 22 Alabama S. (G1) and August 29 Travers S. (G1) as all possible starts for Rachel Alexandra following her dominating, record-setting performance in the Mother Goose S. (G1) on June 27 at Belmont (I won't even go into that race other than to say that she faced only two fillies and turned it into a public workout). Of those five races, the only option for Zenyatta would be the July 19 Del 'Cap as the other four are restricted to three-year-olds. With that in mind, and taking into consideration that Zenyatta is slated to go for a title defense in the August 9 Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1) at Del Mar, the likelihood of the two top horses (not just distaffers but horses period) in training facing each other is pretty slim. Horse of the Year is on the line, and it would have been fantastic -- not just for the fans but for the sport of horse racing itself -- if we had a chance to see those two go at it. Zenyatta is now two-for-two this year, successfully defending her title in the Milady H. (G2) and, more recently, the Vanity H. (G1). The Vanity did prove to be somewhat of a test for the dark bay five-year-old, as she was assigned to carry a hefty 129 pounds beneath jockey Mike Smith. She even looked to struggle for a time in the stretch, but once kicking into gear quickly asserted her superiority over her overmatched rivals. I cringe to think how much she'll have to tote in the Hirsch. Leaving Rachel Alexandra aside, Zenyatta has nothing left to prove in the distaff ranks. Her one foray out of California resulted in an easy score in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) last year, so her status on dirt should not suffer one iota. The mare needs to be sent against males and out of state if she's to have a shot at taking Horse of the Year for 2009. If she doesn't get the opportunity to face Rachel Alexandra she should, at the very least, be entered in the Classic and not the Ladies' Classic. If her connections are worried about her getting beat, then they should just go ahead and retire her, because at this point she is demonstrating nothing but her ability to dominate overmatched fillies and mares. Let's not forget: UNBRIDLED BELLE (Broken Vow) showed some of her old spark on June 20 at Delaware Park, easily defending her title in the Obeah S. (G3) by 11 lengths leading wire-to-wire. The Todd Pletcher charge pulled her way to the front and was never truly challenged after leaving the first turn. She loped along the entire way under a snug hold by Richard Migliore, extending her stride and margin throughout the stretch. I had all but given up on Unbridled Belle following dismal performances in the Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland in October and the Louisville Distaff (G2) in her 2009 bow. She returned in a big way, though, earning a 110 BRIS Speed rating, which is surpassed in her career only by the 113 she garnered for taking the 2007 Delaware Handicap. The six-year-old mare began the year a bit differently, opening her campaign in the Louisville Distaff instead of the Obeah as she had for the past two seasons. The change may have done her some good, and it's on to the Del 'Cap for another shot at that race. Unbridled Belle finished third in last year's running before filling that same spot in the Personal Ensign S. (G1). Unfortunately, the mare's time on the racetrack may be coming to an end right when it's heating up again. Team Valor, who owns the Grade 1 winner, sent her to A.P. Indy in the spring but said she would continue to race through the summer even if she came up in foal. The Breeders' Cup, however, does not occur in the summer. Unbridled Belle skipped last year's Breeders' Cup after running fifth in 2007, and her shot at glory may once again be cut short. Two to watch: MISS ISELLA (Silver Charm) has claimed Churchill Downs as her turf (or dirt, however you want to say it), which, unfortunately, won't benefit her much this season as the Breeders' Cup is held at Santa Anita. If the four-year-old gray stays in training through 2010 -- when Churchill has been slated to host the races -- she'll be tough to deny, especially if she gets yet another Calvin Borel rail trip. It's a case of size belying guts, as the filly is actually quite small when compared to her rivals. That hasn't stopped her from pushing her way through on the inside against runners who tower over her. Case in point, the June 13 Fleur de Lis H. (G2) at Churchill. Borel kept her down on the inside throughout the race and began making for a hole as they exited the turn. Just as they were going through, the tiring pacesetter Distinctive Dixie (Fusaichi Pegasus) veered in and gave her a resounding bump that sent Miss Isella bouncing into the rail. The miss merely pinned her ears, regained her stride and proceeded to hold off the closing Swift Temper (Giant's Causeway) to earn the three-quarters-of-a-length score. Miss Isella, winner of the Louisville Distaff (G2) and Falls City H. (G2) at Churchill, was handed a 100 BRIS Speed rating for the victory. Trainer Ian Wilkes mentioned after the Fleur de Lis he would like to take the feisty filly to Saratoga. The August 2 Go for Wand H. (G1) seems right up her alley. One of those Miss Isella may end up facing at Saratoga is SEATTLE SMOOTH (Quiet American). The Tony Dutrow-trained four-year-old added a fifth straight stakes win to her record on June 13 when rallying for a 1 1/4-length score in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1). Jockey Ramon Dominguez took a quick look behind entering the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile, one-turn test and angled the bay miss out to begin her run. She overtook Apple Blossom H. (G1) queen Seventh Street (Street Cry [Ire]) and pulled clear late to earn her first Grade 1 victory. Following the race, Dutrow said he believes Seattle Smooth can do just as well around two turns, as evidenced by her closing out 2008 with wins in the Go for Wand S. at Delaware Park and the Cotillion S. (G2) at Philadelphia Park. The bay will go for her first two-turn race of this year at Saratoga. I was a bit disappointed by MUSIC NOTE's (A.P. Indy) effort in the Ogden Phipps. Winner of last year's Gazelle S. (G1) Mother Goose and CCA Oaks, as well as placed in the Alabama and Ladies' Classic, the bay lass was making her return off that latter event in the Phipps. She put in a sudden charge to challenge rounding the turn but just as quickly began backing up, eventually finishing fifth, beaten a total of 10 1/4 lengths. Music Note is going to have to show drastic improvement if she hopes to continue competing at the top level. Hard knockers: EUPHONY (Forest Wildcat) earned her sixth straight victory in the Iowa Distaff on June 27 as part of the Iowa Festival of Racing at Prairie Meadows, but the game filly had to work for the win late as pacesetter BEAR NOW (Tiznow) came back briefly nearing the wire. Bear Now, honored in 2008 as Canada's champion older mare, is known stateside more for her misses than she is for her wins, but one thing can't be denied -- the five-year-old throws it down every time she races. She led the way in the Iowa Distaff with Euphony and Mint Julep H. (G3) fourth Day of Victory (Victory Gallop) close on her heels. Jockey Robby Albarado appeared to have a strong hold on the dark bay all the way down the backstretch, which, in hindsight, might have been a mistake. It was only rounding the turn that he loosened his grip and began urging Bear Now on, but by that point Euphony had overtaken the pair on the outside. Bear Now wouldn't give up so easily, though, re-rallying on the rail, but she was forced to settle for second by a length. It was still an encouraging performance from the veteran, who faded badly in the Humana Distaff (G1) on May 2. The return to 1 1/16 miles probably helped her immensely following two straight sprint tries, and Bear Now has retained her form going into this year. Her performance in last year's Ladies' Classic, where she was used early to set the pace before falling back to finish last of eight, was regrettable, but Bear Now could vindicate herself this time around. The dark bay is no stranger to synthetic tracks, with the Breeders' Cup coming as her only off-the-board placing from 14 tries, and she fits in well with the midrange runners who seem to be comprising much of the division this year. I only hope that Al Stall Jr., who took over training duties on the mare in 2009, will give her another shot in November. Euphony is three-for-three this season, and though she's now competed, and won, on all three types of surfaces (turf, dirt, synthetic), trainer Donnie Von Hemel indicated she'll stick to the latter two in her upcoming races. The dark bay four-year-old is supposed to be nominated to the rich $1 million Del 'Cap, which conveniently enough, is also one of only four Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races for the Ladies' Classic. Up-and-comer: WITH FLYING COLORS (A.P. Indy) registered a first stakes win in the Heatherten S. at Belmont Park on June 21 and stamped herself as a filly to watch. As a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner My Flag (Easy Goer) and a granddaughter of the great Personal Ensign (Private Account), the Shug McGaughey trainee has the bloodlines to be something special. Facing only three rivals in the Heatherten, the bay lass stalked the early pace in last while racing along the rail. Never far out of reach of the front runners, she commenced her bid under Edgar Prado rounding the turn, split rivals in midstretch and drew off for the 2 1/4-length victory. The track was sealed due to extremely sloppy conditions on that day, but the four-year-old didn't appear to have any trouble with the off going. With Flying Colors earned a career best 93 BRIS Speed rating for her first stakes score, and may have finally found her stride. The Kentucky-bred miss began her career in New York last year, racking up two seconds and a third on the dirt at Belmont and Saratoga, but returned in 2009 on the turf at Gulfstream still seeking her first win. It wasn't until she was switched to Keeneland's Polytrack that she finally broke through with a maiden score on April 8, but she was immediately put back on the green for her two starts prior to the Heatherten. A compelling point in With Flying Colors' favor is that she beat Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court) in the Heatherten. Though that dual Grade 1-winning mare was making her first start of the year, it still bodes well for With Flying Colors that she managed to hold off the 2008 Ladies' Classic runner-up. Also, the fact that she broke her maiden on Polytrack could mean she might be up to handling the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita in November. HANDICAPPING INSIGHTS JULY 3, 2009 by Dick Powell The mind is a funny thing. It wants to be objective and is convinced that it weighs all factors before coming to a decision. But the reality of how the mind works is quite different. No matter how hard we try, we tend to believe what we want to believe. This tendency is an intellectual contamination that penetrates and disrupts our thought processes, and you need to recognize it and make sure that you are taking it into account when deciding which horse to bet. For instance, I am bullish on oil. I have identified seven factors that will affect the price of oil and five of them lead me to conclude that the price of a barrel of oil will continue to go up. Yet, each day, there is empirical evidence that the price is going to come down. Supply is up, demand is down and economic theory says that the price has to drop. Do I ignore this information and look for other factors that confirm my bias? Since there is no single factor that is driving the price of oil, it becomes whatever you want it to become. I am staying bullish on oil since I have not seen enough evidence to convince me that my original theory is wrong and that it is time to sell. But I might be guilty of confirmation bias where I am ignoring negative information on the price of oil and making decisions that reinforce my original thesis. According to Science Daily, "confirmation bias is a phenomenon wherein decision makers have been shown to actively seek out and assign more weight to evidence that confirms their hypothesis, and ignore or underweigh evidence that could disconfirm their hypothesis. In psychology and cognitive science, confirmation bias (or confirmatory bias) is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, leading to statistical errors." For the handicapper, the question you have to constantly ask yourself is how objective are you being? Are you taking enough factors into account or are you sticking with your original hypothesis -- "He's the lone speed" -- while ignoring the fact that he tired badly the last time he raced at this level. You like a horse because you think that he has the most gate speed, but you might be ignoring other factors such as how the track is playing, post position, etc. With confirmation bias, you have made a decision and now your mind becomes a gatekeeper that lets in information that confirms that decision and keeps out those that do not. Let's say that you handicapped the night before and have all your work done for the next day's racing. You go to the track and the track is performing in an unexpected way. Will you even recognize the change in the track or will confirmation bias prevent you from swaying from your original decision? There might be a late scratch in a race that jumbled the expected pace scenario? Are you going to say, "This changes everything," and go back and re-handicap the race or will your mind get you to believe that it has a diminished significance? Confirmation bias is happening constantly in our minds. One of the tenets of effective listening is to listen to people you don't like. You might be an employer, and an employee who is constantly late for work makes a suggestion about running the company. Can you really isolate the message from the messenger? We all like to think that we can, but chances are you are not really listening to what the employee is saying but focusing on his/her behavior at work. You have a negative bias toward someone, and it prevents information that you might desperately need from getting through to you. In politics, on average, 40 percent of the voters like candidate "A," 40 percent like candidate "B," and the rest are undecided. The voters who like either candidate will ignore any and all information that might get them to re-think and change their minds to vote for the other candidate. They ignore negative information and welcome positive information. My guess is that the best handicappers would come from the undecided voters. The dogmatic voter is usually guilty of confirmation bias and that can't be good for a handicapper. At least the undecided voter has some degree of balance and is waiting for more information before making up his/her mind. I have all the respect in the world for bettors who use performance sheets as their primary handicapping tool. And the best sheet players are the ones that only go by the numbers and patterns. They have solved the issue of confirmation bias by ignoring all other factors except the numbers and the patterns; allowing nothing else to influence their decision. It sounds good to me, but maybe I'm biased.
Results
RECENT INTERNATIONAL STAKES RESULTS Germany
NIGHT MAGIC filled the third spot behind Glad Panther (Seattle Dancer) in the Albert von Metzler-Rennen (Ger-G3) at Frankfurt May 3 and was in the same position after Hoppegarten's Diana-Trial (Ger-G2) four weeks later. Miss Europa had scored on the latter occasion, but she had to settle for being the bridesmaid this time as the tables were turned. Breaking well to lead, Night Magic dictated a modest tempo and was still traveling strongly turning into the straight. Let loose there, she was always holding her arch-rival as they pulled clear of the remainder. A granddaughter of the 1983 Preis der Diana (Ger-G2) heroine Novelle (Northfields), the relative of Hamburg classic winners Next Desert (Desert Style) and Next Gina (Perugino) and this year's Oaks d'Italia (Ity-G2) winner Night of Magic (Peintre Celebre) will be aimed at the Preis der Diana (Ger-G1) at Dusseldorf August 2. England
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
SPOT PLAYS For Saturday
North American Maiden Winners
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
HIGHLIGHTS For Saturday
*all times Eastern
Graded Previews
AMERICAN GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS
A strong field of nine turf runners will travel 1 3/8 miles in the traditional Monmouth Park Holiday feature, the $750,000 United Nations S. (G1). Grade 2 stayer LAURO (Ger) (Monsun) has been out top pick in his last two and we're willing to give him one more chance in this spot for trainer Andreas Wohler. The stubborn six-year-old couldn't accelerate with the field in the Manhattan H. (G1) last out at 10 panels and might be running at a distance shorter than his best in here, but we're envisioning a huge run in his third effort off the bench. The classy dark bay should be tracking in second or third early under Jorge Chavez, prior to getting up in the latter stages. Second by a neck in this race last year, Grade 2 winner STRIKE A DEAL (Smart Strike) had a nice prep for this and should be set for a big showing in his third off the bench. The Alan Goldberg pupil is a better animal at longer distances as opposed to the nine-furlong races he's been in lately, and his experience at this venue gives him a fighting chance beneath Chuckie Lopez. PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) won this race a year ago for trainer Mary Hartman and has been full of heart in his last two races, including a win in the Monmouth S. last out. The speedy gelding will be on the lead early, likely by a comfortable margin, and he'll probably let the field come to him before trying to out-sprint them to the wire. The chestnut has earned our respect with his courage, and we know he adores this oval, so another top showing is looks very possible under Elvis Trujillo. Grade 2 hero SPICE ROUTE (GB) (King's Best) has finished in the top three in seven of his last eight starts, and in his defeats, the chestnut has never been beaten by more than 1 3/4 lengths. The Roger Attfield gelding always runs well and is more than logical to finish in the top three, or possibly win, in this test. Eddie Castro will be aboard the high-level performer. COURT VISION (Gulch) finished fourth in the Manhattan in his latest for Bill Mott and the four-year-old is a proven talent on the lawn. Winner of the Hollywood Derby (G1) in late November, the Kentucky-bred has a strong turn of foot and is adept at handling 1 1/4 miles, so the extra furlong here shouldn't pose a problem in our estimation. The late runner will need a decent early tempo at which to run at beneath Garrett Gomez, and there doesn't appear to be much speed present. BANROCK (Go For Gin) was a touch unlucky not to win the local prep for this, the Monmouth S., but the Tom Bush trainee is in excellent form and can run over any kind of turf. The Empire State-bred is not a proven commodity at this distance but with the inside draw and potential fast early tempo, we see no reason why he can't challenge for a Grade 1-placing under Joe Bravo. WESLEY (El Prado [Ire]) has gotten really good for trainer Mark Hennig, but we just don't see him toppling these rivals in his first try at 1 3/8 miles. We do consider the gray an exotics contender, though. Louisville H. (G3) upsetter BRASS HAT (Prized) proved that he still is capable of competing at this level for Fred "Buff" Bradley. However, the gelded eight-year-old will face a much better field than he saw last out, and while he did conquer a horse we're quite fond of, we don’t have faith that Brass Hat can duplicate that effort in here. BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man) is expected to scratch after reportedly injuring a split bone in a hind leg.
Nine sophomore fillies will dash six furlongs over Belmont Park's main oval in the $300,000 Prioress S. (G1). Acorn S. (G1) heroine GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro) has smoked a pair of bullet half-miles leading up to this for Bob Baffert and is, in our minds, the clear horse to beat in this affair. The ultra-talented filly did receive a dream pace scenario in her last, but she proved that she can rate (on the lead) and she could be the recipient of another perfect trip sitting just off the early pace. The dark bay will be formidable with something resembling her best under Javier Castellano. SELVA (Forest Wildcat) has been first or second in all six of her lifetime tries for trainer David Carroll, finishing a strong second in the Beaumont S. (G2) at Keeneland in her latest race. The dark bay owns excellent tactical speed and a good late kick, and her draw near the outside should be ideal. Rajiv Maragh has the call aboard the Kentucky-bred, who could win with some luck. BE FAIR (Exchange Rate) was a useful fifth in the Acorn last out and might benefit from the cutback in trip for D. Wayne Lukas. The dark bay is fast, and while she's yet to earn a BRIS Speed number higher than 94, we wouldn't be surprised to see her crash the exotics party. LIGHT GREEN (Pleasantly Perfect) has scored BRIS Speed figures of 100 and 104 in her previous two tries, including a romp in the Fall Aspen S. over this strip. The Todd Pletcher charge hasn't been headed in three of her last four races and is peaking at the right time, so we surely can't dismiss her chances for a top three finish in this spot. John Velazquez will ride. HEART ASHLEY (Lion Heart) has rolled to three wins in succession for Steve Asmussen, including the Cicada S. (G3) and Miss Preakness S. (G3) in her previous two tests. The chestnut has compiled monstrous BRIS E2 Speed numbers in her last four suggesting that she'll be in the mix turning for home beneath Edgar Prado. LUSTER (Touch Gold) has steadily improved for Albert Stall Jr. and drew the rail for this endeavor. The Kentucky-bred was a good second in the Dogwood S. (G3) against a repeat winner and she has enough early speed to keep touch early, and while we can't see her winning this, we wouldn't be surprised if she crosses the line in third or fourth under Cornelio Velasquez. CAT MOVES (Tale of the Cat) has toyed with a pair of fields for conditioner Tony Dutrow. The bay filly hasn't beaten anything like the competition here and she's faced only four rivals in each of her two career starts, so it's difficult to back the speedster on this occasion. If the Virginia-bred does beat this field, she'll be something special. ON THE MENU (Canadian Frontier) has been a steady performer against a bit lesser for Larry Jones, winning or placing in four consecutive listed stakes. We're not sure how much more improvement the filly has in her and we're not thrilled about her drawing widest of all, so we feel compelled to let her beat us. REFORESTATION (Forestry) is on the improve and likes this strip, but we can't tab the miss for anything on the class hike.
Ten older handicappers will vie in the 1 1/4-mile, $400,000 Suburban H. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday. Stephen Foster H. (G1) runner-up ASIATIC BOY (Arg) (Not for Sale) was a standout in Dubai earlier in his career and looks capable of regaining that form for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The six-year-old bay was a good second in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) last year at this trip, signaling that he can stay 10 panels at the right venue, and it could be argued that he faced a deeper field last out at Churchill Downs. Alan Garcia will pilot the win threat. The Barclay Tagg-trained DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz) loves a route of ground and has been freshened for this event in hopes of taking down the lucrative winner's share. The Florida-bred, who sizzled a bullet five-eighths in advance of this, is a one-run closer who will need some of those in front of him early to back up, but he may get his wish in this demanding test. We'll certainly use the gray is the exotics at a square price. RISING MOON (Runaway Groom) was a solid third in this event last campaign and he could be ready for a big showing in his third off the bench for trainer Richard Dutrow. The gray six-year-old has good tactical speed and a good draw, so we expect him to be in the second flight early beneath Jose Lezcano before offering a challenge. Multiple stakes star COOL COAL MAN (Mineshaft) has been incredibly consistent as of late for trainer Nick Zito, and the four-year-old rates a long look against these under John Velazquez. The tactical colt should endure a useful trip from just off the pace before putting in his run. FINALLYMADEIT (Concerto) has proven himself in Florida this campaign, picking up a pair of Grade 3 wins while finishing a close second in the Donn H. (G1) this winter. The Javier Negrete charge had no excuses when seventh in the Stephen Foster last out and could have some company on the font end this time, but if he establishes a clear lead in the early going on this day, he can hang on for a minor award. REAL MERCHANT (Chi) (Merchant of Venice) is winless in five starts since coming to the United States and may be a cut below the best in here, but he did register a 109 BRIS Speed rating two starts back at Belmont and merits consideration for the bottom of the vertical plays under Rajiv Maragh. Oaklawn H. (G2) star IT’S A BIRD (Birdonthewire) has come to hand in fine fashion for conditioner Marty Wolfson, rolling home to three wins in his last four, including a tally in the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic earlier this year. The six-year-old Florida-bred will lose his regular rider but pick up an ample sub in Javier Castellano. We just can't see this one negotiating 10 furlongs over this oval and will take stand against the possible favorite. Hard-trying New York-bred STUD MUFFIN (Raffie's Majesty) has been first or second in four straight and six of eight overall at this venue for David Duggan, but his lack of recent wins is of concern against this cast. The five-year-old gray doesn't figure to get tired at this distance, but we're not sure if he's fast enough to keep pace throughout. Cornelio Velasquez has the assignment. READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready) was seventh in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out while receiving a relatively good trip. We've never thought of the Todd Pletcher charge as a natural 10-furlong runner, so we will pass on this colt. SAMHOON (A.P. Indy) struggled in claiming races in recent times before turning it around for Dan Peitz, rolling to two wins over this strip by a combined 6 1/2 lengths. The well-bred bay still needs significant improvement to receive mention against these from the widest post.
A smart field of eight, led by multiple Grade 2 star SMOOTH AIR (Smooth Jazz), will contest Saturday's $250,000 Salvator Mile H. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Transferred to the barn of Chad Brown in advance of this start, Smooth Air has finished worse than third just once, and that came on Pro-Ride in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last fall. The four-year-old colt just missed in a fine runner-up showing in the Metropolitan H. (G1) most recently, the Florida-bred is a Grade 2 winner at this distance and he possesses the tactical speed to be placed virtually anywhere throughout the race. The likely favorite looks imposing. Brazilian Group 1 star RUNFORTHEDOE (Brz) (Our Emblem) exits an even sixth, beaten just four lengths, in the Metropolitan last out for Paulo Lobo, and the colt looks like a big threat in here. The lightly raced four-year-old has run considerably well versus top company since arriving in the United States, and it's safe to say that his preferred ground is dirt. Richard Migliore will be in the irons atop the win candidate. Godolphin Mile S. (UAE-G2) star TWO STEP SALSA (Petionville) is among the best milers around when he's right, and the Godolphin colt could be primed for a huge showing in his second start since arriving from Dubai. The Saeed Bin Suroor trainee has landed in a spot with a plethora of early speed, which could be to his detriment, but Garrett Gomez stays aboard and the colt's natural ability should find him with a huge chance late. The hard-trying KISS THE KID (Lemon Drop Kid) was a solid third in the Philip Iselin H. (G3) over this oval in 2008 and is a dual winner at Monmouth Park for trainer Amy Tarrant. The consistent six-year-old has a bit of class to him, and while he's raced exclusively on the sod in his last seven races, his form is good and he's very versatile. Channing Hill will guide the top-three threat. We have come to like THE ROUNDHOUSE (Fusaichi Pegasus) and his late-running style for Todd Pletcher. We won't be backing him to win, but we'll surely toss him in some of our vertical gimmicks. The chestnut has faced graded foes on five occasions, placing in three of them. If the early tempo is brutal, this one should be rolling late. SOLAR FLARE (Arg) (Salt Lake) "freaked" when rolling home in the Frisk Me Now S. last out over this strip, registering a whopping 109 BRIS Speed figure in the process. The Larry Jones-trained five-year-old is Grade 1-placed in the United States, but he's been a work in progress who has put in more subpar efforts than top ones. We will reluctantly leave him off our of tickets in this spot due to his lack of consistency. COAL PLAY (Mineshaft) has enjoyed his greatest successes at this locale and enters off of a big allowance prep win for the ever-dangerous Nick Zito. Second in the Haskell Invitational H. (G1) last year, the speedy bay is a cut below the best in here but is capable on his best day to run a big one. KEEP LAUGHING (Distorted Humor) has ability, but his connections were probably not excited when they saw how deep this race came up. The dark bay would need major improvement to factor in this one.
Northern Dancer S. (G3) runner-up WARRIOR'S REWARD (Medaglia d'Oro) drew the rail for the $200,000 Dwyer S. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday, and we feel that the colt is a standout against these for conditioner Ian Wilkes. A smart winner in his debut at Gulfstream in late January, the colt finished second in his first try versus winners behind the talented Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song). Following a subpar showing in his graded debut at Tampa, the Kentucky-bred has reeled off a pair of solid efforts, including a sharp allowance score over next-out Woody Stephens S. (G2) winner Munnings (Speightstown) two back. Warrior's Reward should love this distance, and as long as he doesn't get buried on the inside, he should run by this group late beneath Calvin Borel. CONVOCATION (Pulpit) earned a strong BRIS Speed number for his 6 3/4-length maiden romp last out and will make the jump straight to graded foes for Jimmy Jerkens. The bay colt is a bit of a mystery against this type, but we love the aggressive move by his conservative conditioner and will use him underneath in all of our gimmicks at a square price. MASALA (Lion Heart) earned a stout 101 BRIS Speed figure in his first try for Allen Jerkens, defeating a workmanlike field of elders over this oval to prepare for this event. The Florida-bred has never run poorly on dirt and is seemingly improving, so he might be worth a flier if the top one falters. We consider this one, like many, a logical gimmicks threat. AMERICAN DANCE (A.P. Indy) crushed an allowance field in advance of this for Todd Pletcher, toppling some nice older foes in his win. We've never been all that high on the colt and feel that his optimal distances will be much longer than this, but his last was impressive and a repeat of that makes him a factor throughout. John Velazquez has the call. JUST BEN (Speightstown) exploded to a huge win on the Belmont S. (G1) undercard and is sure to take a bunch of money while making his stakes debut for Nick Zito. The talented Virginia-bred has a world of potential and seems to be getting good at the right time. With that said, this field is solid and we are not ready to back this horse at a short price. KENSEI (Mr. Greeley) has put in a trio of solid works in 2009 for Steve Asmussen, including a solid third in the Woody Stephens. The colt has good tactical speed and is quite consistent, so he must be considered as an exotics threat beneath Edgar Prado. SUNDAY SUNRISE (Lemon Drop Kid) finally broke through at the first-level allowance condition after four tries this campaign for Asmussen, but he'll need a major step up to challenge these late.
An excellent field of eight will go postward in the aptly named $150,000 Firecracker H. (G2) over the Churchill Downs turf on Saturday. The ultra-talented SEASPEAK (Mizzen Mast) went postward at 1-5 odds at Lone Star Park last out and did not disappoint, rolling home to a facile 4 3/4-length win in the Dallas Turf Cup H. (G3) for conditioner Ralph Nicks. The classy four-year-old has never been thoroughly beaten in his fine career and couldn't be any sharper presently, so the Kentucky-bred rates a huge chance in here if he can step up just a touch. Robby Albarado has the assignment. PASSAGER (Fr) (Anabaa) can stand up to anything in this field for conditioner Roger Attfield. The smart gelding has been in the mix in all four of his starts since arriving in the United States, but he's failed to close the door on each occasion and is still looking for his first elusive win stateside. He's going to break through eventually, but we'll look for the six-year-old to settle for the place spot beneath Jono Jones. WISE RIVER (Belong to Me) has won or placed in seven of nine tries over this course for Clark Hanna and comes into this event in razor-sharp form. The six-year-old shows a pair of excellent recent preps in advance of this day, and his superb tactical speed gives him a big shot against these. Jamie Theriot will guide the gelding, who should be prominent from the outset. Maker's Mark Mile S. (G1) star MR. SIDNEY (Storm Cat) didn't show much late in his dirt try in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out and returns to his preferred surface in this difficult test for Bill Mott. The late-developing five-year-old has a nice turn of foot and is proven over firm and soft turf, so he's an obvious threat even if he will be overbet. Kent Desormeaux will be in the irons. Dual Grade 1 victor THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) took on the best in the west last out and never wavered, wiring the Shoemaker Mile S. (G1) for Dale Romans. The Churchill-loving gray has four local wins, including a tally in this contest a year ago, but we're concerned about the inconsistent nature of the Kentucky-bred and the fact that he's done a lot of shipping as of late. He could easily prove us wrong, but we're going to omit Thorn Song and look elsewhere. TIZDEJAVU (Tiznow) has won each of his three starts over this lawn for Gregory Fox, including a four-length romp in the Jefferson Cup S. (G2) in the fall. The talented front runner would surely like to see a little give in the lawn, but even with that, it's hard to envision him taking this field all the way beneath Jon Court. We'll only dabble with this one in the lower rungs of the exotics. INCA KING (Sir Cat) is a dual stakes winner over this course and is often a threat on or near the lead for Steve Asmussen. The gelded five-year-old has not impressed thus far in 2009 and is facing a severe test in here, so we'll have to look elsewhere on this occasion. Appleton H. (G3) runner-up ARCTIC CRY (Rahy) is drawn widest of all in here and is a question mark against this caliber of horse, so we'll take a pass on the Eddie Kenneally charge.
Saturday's $150,000 American H. (G2) attracted only six entrants, and MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) could be withdrawn in favor of Sunday's Triple Bend H. (G1) on the Cushion Track. WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) exits a solid fourth in his 2009 debut, the May 25 Shoemaker Mile (G1) in which the multiple Grade 2 winner missed by only a half-length, and we expect to see him move forward here for John Sadler. The five-year-old horse relished the nine-furlong distance when posting a 1 1/4-length score in last year's American, and he's a two-time winner over the course. Whatsthescript owns some tactical speed and probably won't be far back before launching his rally under Joel Rosario. STORM MILITARY (Arg) (Bernstein) almost garnered his first Grade 1 victory when third in the Shoemaker Mile last time, and we expect him to be the lone speed in the spot, with Monterey Jazz opting for a Grade 1 bid on Sunday. The Bobby Frankel-trained seven-year-old has always run well over this course, posting a 4-1-2-1 mark in Inglewood, California, and Brice Blanc has been a good fit in his last two efforts. The dark bay could prove difficult to run down on soft fractions. ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire) (Danehill) is as classy as they come for Richard Mandella, but we like the eight-year-old over a bit more ground. He's dropped three straight starts since capturing the 10-furlong San Marcos S. (G2) in January, but his BRIS numbers have been excellent in those efforts. We'll look for another top three placing from him. We'll try to beat Monterey Jazz if he starts here. The Craig Dollase pupil appears to prefer a flat mile, and he won't get away with soft, uncontested fractions like he did last time when recording a sharp allowance score over the course. The Grade 2 winner is dangerous on his best day, so we can't completely dismiss his chances if he runs. GIANT GEM (Giant's Causeway) will make his stakes debut off of a pair of victories over Hollywood's turf, but he doesn't own the BRIS numbers or seasoning of out top selections. We still respect the improving four-year-old colt and won't be surprised to see him develop into a fine stakes performer for Neil Drysdale, but we'll take a wait-and-see approach with him. BUENOS DIAS (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) offered a decent rally for runner-up honors when making his U.S. bow versus allowance/optional claiming rivals last time, but we'll give the French stakes winner at least one start against graded competition before recommending his chances.
The superb INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos), a winner of four straight including two Grade 1 races in succession, headlines the field for the $150,000 Chicago H. (G3) at Arlington on Saturday. The Jonathan Sheppard charge has been a model of top-notch consistency, winning seven of nine in her lifetime while rolling to three fine wins in three tries on synthetic ovals. We see no reason why the gray standout won't win again beneath Julien Leparoux. AUTHENICAT (D'wildcat) ships in for top conditioner Josie Carroll and rates a long look in this paceless affair. The chestnut filly has finished first or second in 12 of 17 lifetime tries and has the look of the lone horse with any early sped in the field, so we'll tab the chestnut for second under Robert Landry. CHORAGUS (Harlan’s Holiday) endured a subpar prep for this event but still makes sense against this field for trainer Chris Block. The bay Kentucky-bred has good early footing and should be second early in the clear, so if the filly is ever to run a big race, this seems like the appropriate time. Eddie Perez will guide the four-year-old. UNFORGOTTEN (Northern Afleet) is a consistent late runner for trainer Dallas Stewart and her best gives her a big chance at a top-three placing from well off the pace. The Florida-bred earned a lot of money last campaign while winning just once, and we give her a good chance of rallying late for part under Fernando Jara. TIZ TO DREAM (Tiznow) loves the Polytrack at Keeneland, and while she faltered in her lone try at Arlington, the miss has never been much at two turns and should show her best in this elongated sprint. Conditioned by Ian Wilkes, the bay four-year-old is essentially a one-run closer, but the lack of any early pace hurts her chances at a win and she can only been used as an exotics filler. CROWN OF DIAMONDS (Distorted Humor) won her local prep for this for conditioner Eoin Harty but still looks like she's in a bit deep in this affair.
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
WEATHER For Saturday
Graded Previews
INTERNATIONAL STAKES PREVIEWS Saturday, Sandown, England ECLIPSE S. (ENG-G1), £500,000, 3YO/UP, 10F 7YDST
At this point, English Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) hero SEA THE STARS is wearing a distinct air of invincibility, but the test of his mettle continues on Saturday as Sandown stages the traditional first meeting of the classic luminaries and the older brigade in the Eclipse S. (Eng-G1). Due to a late twist courtesy of the Kildare weather ahead of last Sunday's Irish Derby (Ire-G1), Christopher Tsui's homebred has been diverted onto the hallowed path of Nashwan, the last to follow up here after triumphs in the Newmarket and Epsom classics in 1989. "The Epsom race took nothing out of him and he has continued in his work with his usual enthusiasm," trainer John Oxx stated Friday. "Nobody really knows what his best trip is, but the course of the year will be the answer to that. The speed he showed in the Guineas indicates that 10 furlongs will be no problem to him and he doesn't need a mile and a half to be at his best, so he is very versatile." A potential Achilles heel could be rain-softened ground and although Sandown was hit by a deluge on Friday, the surface should be fine for the main attraction. "My information is that it is pretty good ground all round and similar to Epsom on Derby day, so we're not anticipating any problem at the moment," Oxx added. As far as older horses go, Ballymacoll Stud's CONDUIT is in prime position based on his exploits last year as well as his four-year-old return. Despite winning the St Leger (Eng-G1) over Doncaster's extended 14-furlong trip, the homebred demonstrated adequate speed for a test like this when rolling to an impressive success in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) at Santa Anita in October. A nose separated him and CIMA DE TRIOMPHE when attempting to give that performer seven pounds in the May 28 Brigadier Gerard S. (Eng-G3) over this track and trip last out. Conduit hails from the Sir Michael Stoute stable, successful five times. "We were obviously very pleased with his first run of the season," Ballymacoll's Peter Reynolds told PA Sport. "Sir Michael's horses always tend to improve for their first run too, so that is a positive. Sir Michael has always said this horse is effective over a range of distances -- he is not your typical St Leger winner. John Oxx's horse looks exceptional, there is no doubting that. It's not a one-horse race, we are in there with a chance we hope." Aidan O'Brien is looking for a fifth renewal with Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's RIP VAN WINKLE, who seeks to break through after two eye-catching efforts when fourth behind Sea the Stars in the Guineas and Derby. He had suffered an interrupted preparation before Newmarket and a glitch before Epsom, so there could be more to come. Jimmy Fortune has been called on in the absence of the banned Johnny Murtagh. "He's a very nice horse and for Johnny to ride him in the Derby, he has obviously being doing everything right at home," Fortune said. "Sea the Stars is obviously a high-class horse and he's the one we'll all have to beat and Conduit is also a solid horse. The trip could be ideal for us, as there were stamina doubts going into the Derby and we haven't got that much to find with Sea the Stars." Luca Cumani is hoping that Teruya Yoshida's Cima de Triomphe can step up off his Brigadier Gerard win and emulate another former Italian runner in Falbrav (Ire), who succeeded in 2003. "Obviously, it's a big step up from a Group 3 to a Group 1 and we are coming up against a Derby winner and a Breeders' Cup and St Leger winner," Cumani told PA Sport. "The horse is in good form and has pleased me in his work, so we are hopeful of a good run." SPRINT S. (ENG-G3), £65,000, 3YO/UP, 5F YYDST
Saturday, Haydock, England LANCASHIRE OAKS (ENG-G2), £100,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 11F 200YDST
HIGH HEELED bids to uphold the form of the June 5 Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1), in which she was 2 1/2 lengths behind Sariska (Pivotal) and Midday (Oasis Dream [GB]). That was a vast improvement on her disappointing effort when only fourth behind the former in the Musidora S. (Eng-G3) at York on May 13. "We've been very pleased with the filly since Epsom, when she ran so well," trainer Barry Hills's son and assistant, Charlie Hills, told PA Sport. "Nothing showed up as to why she ran so poorly at York, I just think she had a bad day, she was maybe in season. There was a short period at Epsom where we thought she was coming to win the race, but she still ran a great race." Henry Cecil boasts seven renewals to his name and relies on FLAME OF GIBRALTAR, who stepped up off a smooth maiden win at Lingfield on June 4 with a second to Flying Cloud (Storming Home [GB]) in the Ribblesdale S. (Eng-G2) at Royal Ascot a fortnight later. JULY JASMINE and the Pretty Polly S. winner TAKE THE HINT were fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Ribblesdale and represent Khalid Abdullah. "Both of them ran well enough at Ascot, but naturally we thought they would do a little bit better than they did," Racing Manager Teddy Grimthorpe told PA Sport. "It's hard to separate them at this stage and they have a little bit to prove." Saturday, Greyville, South Africa JULY H. (SAF-G1), R3,000,000, 3YO/UP, 2200MT
Saturday, Hamburg, Germany LOTTO HAMBURG-TROPHY (GER-G3), €75,000, 3YO/UP, 6FT
Sunday, Hamburg 140TH DEUTSCHES DERBY (GER-G1), €500,000, 3YO, C/F, 1 1/2MT
Sunday, Chantilly, France PRIX JEAN PRAT (FR-G1), €400,000, 3YO, C/F, 1MT
PRIX DU BOIS (FR-G3), €80,000, 2YO, 5FT
PRIX CHLOE (FR-G3), €80,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/8MT
HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2007, Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from results charts published in the Daily Racing Form and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Daily Racing Form Inc.
Announcements
Wizard remains Sizzlin' Hot! The WIZARD continues to prove why he has had such a loyal following over the past 20 years. From late December to mid-May, the Wizard has nailed 49 percent winners at a flat bet profit with his popular Pick of the Day sheet. And this doesn't include the many exactas and trifectas provided in this expert wagering strategy. After scoring on both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Days, the Wizard did it again by hitting his Pick of the Day on the Preakness S. (G1) undercard, along with a cold exacta payoff multiple times. The Pick of the Day is available seven days/week at Brisnet.com. Research a horse's entire racing career with one product Dive into the racing career of any runner with our #5051i report, Lifetime Race Charts. This gives you a completely unique perspective on the recent races of a horse. Click here for a sample on stakes winner Quality Road. The
Handicapper's Answer Book - TRACK STATS 2009 *What trainer wins with 38 percent of his layoff runners (90+ days away) and
at a flat-bet profit at Hollywood Park? *What two popular circuits had 52 runners ship into Churchill Downs last year
and only two horses reached the winner's circle? *What jockey does trainer Steve Asmussen win with 50 percent of the time in
the Big Apple? With detailed trainer stats on all horseman separated by track, plus a wealth of other track-specific data, Track Stats 2009 is the handicapping guide you need to win at the races this year. Each edition is loaded with golden nuggets of information! Take advantage of this special offer: If you order three or more editions of Track Stats, we will send you SIRE STATS 2009 absolutely FREE. A $40 value, Sire Stats offers all weather, turf, mud, debut and distance ratings on more than 4,700 stallions! For more information and to order online, visit www.brisnet.com/bookstore or, call 1-800-354-9206, ext. 7254. Only $24.95 (plus s/h) for each jam-packed edition! Increase your handicapping knowledge on any circuit you wish by ordering Track Stats 2009. Available for 12 circuits -- including So. California, Maryland, Louisiana/Oaklawn and New York -- Track Stats has the track-specific data you need on trainers, jockeys, horses, biases, shippers and more. Order today! SIRE STATS 2009 Sire Stats is the one-of-a-kind pedigree guide that offers turf, mud, debut and distance ratings on more than 4,700 stallions. The new 2009 edition, available in both print and pdf, is the only book of its kind with grades for synthetic/all-weather races. There is an entire column devoted to all weather data, based on aggregate starts on Polytrack, Cushion Track, Pro Ride and Tapeta surfaces. Know which sires are graded F through A+ for their progeny's all-weather starts! "My ROI from these books is fantastic!" -- Matt Carothers, TVG Analyst Sire Stats 2009 is only $39.95 (plus s/h*), or you can receive it free by ordering three or more editions of Track Stats 2008, available for 12 different circuits. Track Stats is loaded with track-specific data and is ideal for trainer handicapping. Visit Sire Stats for more information and to order, or call 1-800-354-9206, ext. 7254 today! * KY residents add 6% sales tax
Features
LADIES' CLASSIC DIARY JULY 3, 2009
That brings up a very important question, though: Will super filly Rachel Alexandra get a chance to face undefeated super mare ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire])? The answer, according to both Jackson and Zenyatta owner Jerry Moss, is that they would love to have a match-up between the two. That's an answer? Moss did go on to say that he was willing to come east to face Rachel Alexandra, but neither party will commit to a race. Jackson has mentioned the July 19 Delaware H. (G2), July 25 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), August 2 Haskell Invitational (G1), August 22 Alabama S. (G1) and August 29 Travers S. (G1) as all possible starts for Rachel Alexandra following her dominating, record-setting performance in the Mother Goose S. (G1) on June 27 at Belmont (I won't even go into that race other than to say that she faced only two fillies and turned it into a public workout). Of those five races, the only option for Zenyatta would be the July 19 Del 'Cap as the other four are restricted to three-year-olds. With that in mind, and taking into consideration that Zenyatta is slated to go for a title defense in the August 9 Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1) at Del Mar, the likelihood of the two top horses (not just distaffers but horses period) in training facing each other is pretty slim. Horse of the Year is on the line, and it would have been fantastic -- not just for the fans but for the sport of horse racing itself -- if we had a chance to see those two go at it. Zenyatta is now two-for-two this year, successfully defending her title in the Milady H. (G2) and, more recently, the Vanity H. (G1). The Vanity did prove to be somewhat of a test for the dark bay five-year-old, as she was assigned to carry a hefty 129 pounds beneath jockey Mike Smith. She even looked to struggle for a time in the stretch, but once kicking into gear quickly asserted her superiority over her overmatched rivals. I cringe to think how much she'll have to tote in the Hirsch. Leaving Rachel Alexandra aside, Zenyatta has nothing left to prove in the distaff ranks. Her one foray out of California resulted in an easy score in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) last year, so her status on dirt should not suffer one iota. The mare needs to be sent against males and out of state if she's to have a shot at taking Horse of the Year for 2009. If she doesn't get the opportunity to face Rachel Alexandra she should, at the very least, be entered in the Classic and not the Ladies' Classic. If her connections are worried about her getting beat, then they should just go ahead and retire her, because at this point she is demonstrating nothing but her ability to dominate overmatched fillies and mares. Let's not forget: UNBRIDLED BELLE (Broken Vow) showed some of her old spark on June 20 at Delaware Park, easily defending her title in the Obeah S. (G3) by 11 lengths leading wire-to-wire. The Todd Pletcher charge pulled her way to the front and was never truly challenged after leaving the first turn. She loped along the entire way under a snug hold by Richard Migliore, extending her stride and margin throughout the stretch. I had all but given up on Unbridled Belle following dismal performances in the Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland in October and the Louisville Distaff (G2) in her 2009 bow. She returned in a big way, though, earning a 110 BRIS Speed rating, which is surpassed in her career only by the 113 she garnered for taking the 2007 Delaware Handicap. The six-year-old mare began the year a bit differently, opening her campaign in the Louisville Distaff instead of the Obeah as she had for the past two seasons. The change may have done her some good, and it's on to the Del 'Cap for another shot at that race. Unbridled Belle finished third in last year's running before filling that same spot in the Personal Ensign S. (G1). Unfortunately, the mare's time on the racetrack may be coming to an end right when it's heating up again. Team Valor, who owns the Grade 1 winner, sent her to A.P. Indy in the spring but said she would continue to race through the summer even if she came up in foal. The Breeders' Cup, however, does not occur in the summer. Unbridled Belle skipped last year's Breeders' Cup after running fifth in 2007, and her shot at glory may once again be cut short. Two to watch: MISS ISELLA (Silver Charm) has claimed Churchill Downs as her turf (or dirt, however you want to say it), which, unfortunately, won't benefit her much this season as the Breeders' Cup is held at Santa Anita. If the four-year-old gray stays in training through 2010 -- when Churchill has been slated to host the races -- she'll be tough to deny, especially if she gets yet another Calvin Borel rail trip. It's a case of size belying guts, as the filly is actually quite small when compared to her rivals. That hasn't stopped her from pushing her way through on the inside against runners who tower over her. Case in point, the June 13 Fleur de Lis H. (G2) at Churchill. Borel kept her down on the inside throughout the race and began making for a hole as they exited the turn. Just as they were going through, the tiring pacesetter Distinctive Dixie (Fusaichi Pegasus) veered in and gave her a resounding bump that sent Miss Isella bouncing into the rail. The miss merely pinned her ears, regained her stride and proceeded to hold off the closing Swift Temper (Giant's Causeway) to earn the three-quarters-of-a-length score. Miss Isella, winner of the Louisville Distaff (G2) and Falls City H. (G2) at Churchill, was handed a 100 BRIS Speed rating for the victory. Trainer Ian Wilkes mentioned after the Fleur de Lis he would like to take the feisty filly to Saratoga. The August 2 Go for Wand H. (G1) seems right up her alley. One of those Miss Isella may end up facing at Saratoga is SEATTLE SMOOTH (Quiet American). The Tony Dutrow-trained four-year-old added a fifth straight stakes win to her record on June 13 when rallying for a 1 1/4-length score in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1). Jockey Ramon Dominguez took a quick look behind entering the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile, one-turn test and angled the bay miss out to begin her run. She overtook Apple Blossom H. (G1) queen Seventh Street (Street Cry [Ire]) and pulled clear late to earn her first Grade 1 victory. Following the race, Dutrow said he believes Seattle Smooth can do just as well around two turns, as evidenced by her closing out 2008 with wins in the Go for Wand S. at Delaware Park and the Cotillion S. (G2) at Philadelphia Park. The bay will go for her first two-turn race of this year at Saratoga. I was a bit disappointed by MUSIC NOTE's (A.P. Indy) effort in the Ogden Phipps. Winner of last year's Gazelle S. (G1) Mother Goose and CCA Oaks, as well as placed in the Alabama and Ladies' Classic, the bay lass was making her return off that latter event in the Phipps. She put in a sudden charge to challenge rounding the turn but just as quickly began backing up, eventually finishing fifth, beaten a total of 10 1/4 lengths. Music Note is going to have to show drastic improvement if she hopes to continue competing at the top level. Hard knockers: EUPHONY (Forest Wildcat) earned her sixth straight victory in the Iowa Distaff on June 27 as part of the Iowa Festival of Racing at Prairie Meadows, but the game filly had to work for the win late as pacesetter BEAR NOW (Tiznow) came back briefly nearing the wire. Bear Now, honored in 2008 as Canada's champion older mare, is known stateside more for her misses than she is for her wins, but one thing can't be denied -- the five-year-old throws it down every time she races. She led the way in the Iowa Distaff with Euphony and Mint Julep H. (G3) fourth Day of Victory (Victory Gallop) close on her heels. Jockey Robby Albarado appeared to have a strong hold on the dark bay all the way down the backstretch, which, in hindsight, might have been a mistake. It was only rounding the turn that he loosened his grip and began urging Bear Now on, but by that point Euphony had overtaken the pair on the outside. Bear Now wouldn't give up so easily, though, re-rallying on the rail, but she was forced to settle for second by a length. It was still an encouraging performance from the veteran, who faded badly in the Humana Distaff (G1) on May 2. The return to 1 1/16 miles probably helped her immensely following two straight sprint tries, and Bear Now has retained her form going into this year. Her performance in last year's Ladies' Classic, where she was used early to set the pace before falling back to finish last of eight, was regrettable, but Bear Now could vindicate herself this time around. The dark bay is no stranger to synthetic tracks, with the Breeders' Cup coming as her only off-the-board placing from 14 tries, and she fits in well with the midrange runners who seem to be comprising much of the division this year. I only hope that Al Stall Jr., who took over training duties on the mare in 2009, will give her another shot in November. Euphony is three-for-three this season, and though she's now competed, and won, on all three types of surfaces (turf, dirt, synthetic), trainer Donnie Von Hemel indicated she'll stick to the latter two in her upcoming races. The dark bay four-year-old is supposed to be nominated to the rich $1 million Del 'Cap, which conveniently enough, is also one of only four Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races for the Ladies' Classic. Up-and-comer: WITH FLYING COLORS (A.P. Indy) registered a first stakes win in the Heatherten S. at Belmont Park on June 21 and stamped herself as a filly to watch. As a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner My Flag (Easy Goer) and a granddaughter of the great Personal Ensign (Private Account), the Shug McGaughey trainee has the bloodlines to be something special. Facing only three rivals in the Heatherten, the bay lass stalked the early pace in last while racing along the rail. Never far out of reach of the front runners, she commenced her bid under Edgar Prado rounding the turn, split rivals in midstretch and drew off for the 2 1/4-length victory. The track was sealed due to extremely sloppy conditions on that day, but the four-year-old didn't appear to have any trouble with the off going. With Flying Colors earned a career best 93 BRIS Speed rating for her first stakes score, and may have finally found her stride. The Kentucky-bred miss began her career in New York last year, racking up two seconds and a third on the dirt at Belmont and Saratoga, but returned in 2009 on the turf at Gulfstream still seeking her first win. It wasn't until she was switched to Keeneland's Polytrack that she finally broke through with a maiden score on April 8, but she was immediately put back on the green for her two starts prior to the Heatherten. A compelling point in With Flying Colors' favor is that she beat Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court) in the Heatherten. Though that dual Grade 1-winning mare was making her first start of the year, it still bodes well for With Flying Colors that she managed to hold off the 2008 Ladies' Classic runner-up. Also, the fact that she broke her maiden on Polytrack could mean she might be up to handling the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita in November. HANDICAPPING INSIGHTS JULY 3, 2009 by Dick Powell The mind is a funny thing. It wants to be objective and is convinced that it weighs all factors before coming to a decision. But the reality of how the mind works is quite different. No matter how hard we try, we tend to believe what we want to believe. This tendency is an intellectual contamination that penetrates and disrupts our thought processes, and you need to recognize it and make sure that you are taking it into account when deciding which horse to bet. For instance, I am bullish on oil. I have identified seven factors that will affect the price of oil and five of them lead me to conclude that the price of a barrel of oil will continue to go up. Yet, each day, there is empirical evidence that the price is going to come down. Supply is up, demand is down and economic theory says that the price has to drop. Do I ignore this information and look for other factors that confirm my bias? Since there is no single factor that is driving the price of oil, it becomes whatever you want it to become. I am staying bullish on oil since I have not seen enough evidence to convince me that my original theory is wrong and that it is time to sell. But I might be guilty of confirmation bias where I am ignoring negative information on the price of oil and making decisions that reinforce my original thesis. According to Science Daily, "confirmation bias is a phenomenon wherein decision makers have been shown to actively seek out and assign more weight to evidence that confirms their hypothesis, and ignore or underweigh evidence that could disconfirm their hypothesis. In psychology and cognitive science, confirmation bias (or confirmatory bias) is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, leading to statistical errors." For the handicapper, the question you have to constantly ask yourself is how objective are you being? Are you taking enough factors into account or are you sticking with your original hypothesis -- "He's the lone speed" -- while ignoring the fact that he tired badly the last time he raced at this level. You like a horse because you think that he has the most gate speed, but you might be ignoring other factors such as how the track is playing, post position, etc. With confirmation bias, you have made a decision and now your mind becomes a gatekeeper that lets in information that confirms that decision and keeps out those that do not. Let's say that you handicapped the night before and have all your work done for the next day's racing. You go to the track and the track is performing in an unexpected way. Will you even recognize the change in the track or will confirmation bias prevent you from swaying from your original decision? There might be a late scratch in a race that jumbled the expected pace scenario? Are you going to say, "This changes everything," and go back and re-handicap the race or will your mind get you to believe that it has a diminished significance? Confirmation bias is happening constantly in our minds. One of the tenets of effective listening is to listen to people you don't like. You might be an employer, and an employee who is constantly late for work makes a suggestion about running the company. Can you really isolate the message from the messenger? We all like to think that we can, but chances are you are not really listening to what the employee is saying but focusing on his/her behavior at work. You have a negative bias toward someone, and it prevents information that you might desperately need from getting through to you. In politics, on average, 40 percent of the voters like candidate "A," 40 percent like candidate "B," and the rest are undecided. The voters who like either candidate will ignore any and all information that might get them to re-think and change their minds to vote for the other candidate. They ignore negative information and welcome positive information. My guess is that the best handicappers would come from the undecided voters. The dogmatic voter is usually guilty of confirmation bias and that can't be good for a handicapper. At least the undecided voter has some degree of balance and is waiting for more information before making up his/her mind. I have all the respect in the world for bettors who use performance sheets as their primary handicapping tool. And the best sheet players are the ones that only go by the numbers and patterns. They have solved the issue of confirmation bias by ignoring all other factors except the numbers and the patterns; allowing nothing else to influence their decision. It sounds good to me, but maybe I'm biased.
Racing Highlights
For Saturday
*all times Eastern HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2007, Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from results charts published in the Daily Racing Form and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Daily Racing Form Inc.
Announcements
Click here to go to the Pedigree Page!
Wizard remains Sizzlin' Hot! The WIZARD continues to prove why he has had such a loyal following over the past 20 years. From late December to mid-May, the Wizard has nailed 49 percent winners at a flat bet profit with his popular Pick of the Day sheet. And this doesn't include the many exactas and trifectas provided in this expert wagering strategy. After scoring on both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Days, the Wizard did it again by hitting his Pick of the Day on the Preakness S. (G1) undercard, along with a cold exacta payoff multiple times. The Pick of the Day is available seven days/week at Brisnet.com. Research a horse's entire racing career with one product Dive into the racing career of any runner with our #5051i report, Lifetime Race Charts. This gives you a completely unique perspective on the recent races of a horse. Click here for a sample on stakes winner Quality Road. The
Handicapper's Answer Book - TRACK STATS 2009 *What trainer wins with 38 percent of his layoff runners (90+ days away) and
at a flat-bet profit at Hollywood Park? *What two popular circuits had 52 runners ship into Churchill Downs last year
and only two horses reached the winner's circle? *What jockey does trainer Steve Asmussen win with 50 percent of the time in
the Big Apple? With detailed trainer stats on all horseman separated by track, plus a wealth of other track-specific data, Track Stats 2009 is the handicapping guide you need to win at the races this year. Each edition is loaded with golden nuggets of information! Take advantage of this special offer: If you order three or more editions of Track Stats, we will send you SIRE STATS 2009 absolutely FREE. A $40 value, Sire Stats offers all weather, turf, mud, debut and distance ratings on more than 4,700 stallions! For more information and to order online, visit www.brisnet.com/bookstore or, call 1-800-354-9206, ext. 7254. Only $24.95 (plus s/h) for each jam-packed edition! Increase your handicapping knowledge on any circuit you wish by ordering Track Stats 2009. Available for 12 circuits -- including So. California, Maryland, Louisiana/Oaklawn and New York -- Track Stats has the track-specific data you need on trainers, jockeys, horses, biases, shippers and more. Order today! SIRE STATS 2009 Sire Stats is the one-of-a-kind pedigree guide that offers turf, mud, debut and distance ratings on more than 4,700 stallions. The new 2009 edition, available in both print and pdf, is the only book of its kind with grades for synthetic/all-weather races. There is an entire column devoted to all weather data, based on aggregate starts on Polytrack, Cushion Track, Pro Ride and Tapeta surfaces. Know which sires are graded F through A+ for their progeny's all-weather starts! "My ROI from these books is fantastic!" -- Matt Carothers, TVG Analyst Sire Stats 2009 is only $39.95 (plus s/h*), or you can receive it free by ordering three or more editions of Track Stats 2008, available for 12 different circuits. Track Stats is loaded with track-specific data and is ideal for trainer handicapping. Visit Sire Stats for more information and to order, or call 1-800-354-9206, ext. 7254 today! * KY residents add 6% sales tax
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