Recent European imports spice up With Anticipation field

In its two-decade history, Saratoga's signature turf event for two-year-olds has never been won by a horse previously based outside North America. That might change Thursday when Cavallo Bay represents Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby in the $175,000 With Anticipation (G3).

From the first crop of Godolphin's European juvenile champion Pinatubo, Cavallo Bay enters the 1 1/16-mile With Anticipation with a 2-for-3 record in England. Fifth in his debut over an all-weather surface at Kempton to Wimbledon Hawkeye, who subsequently placed in both the Superlative (G2) and Acomb (G3), Cavallo Bay followed up with a maiden score over the all-weather at Wolverhampton and in a novice over turf at Haydock. Both races were contested over seven furlongs.

Out of the Natalma (G1) winner La Pelosa, Cavallo Bay has posted two works since his importation and will be ridden Thursday by Dylan Davis.

Another recent import to keep an eye is Zulu Kingdom, who has been with trainer Chad Brown for a lengthier period following a debut victory at Saint-Cloud outside Paris on June 4. Zulu Kingdom won comfortably by 3 1/2 lengths going seven furlongs on soft ground for then-trainer Andre Fabre.

The With Anticipation field includes several horses who graduated earlier in the Saratoga meet, including Without Caution, stakes-placed Reach for the Rose, and Tenacious Leader. The latter two achieved their first wins in off-the-turf maiden races.

There are also several maidens in the lineup. One who might progress is Test Score, who stretches out from 5 1/2 furlongs after running second on debut to Governor Sam, subsequent winner of the Tyro S. at Monmouth Park.

In the event rain forces the With Anticipation to the main track, the Todd Pletcher-trained Uncaged figures to receive notable support following his debut win in the mud this month.

The With Anticipation has been run only once on dirt, in 2020. Fire at Will, ironically, was the most recent With Anticipation winner to later score in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).