Saratoga Daily Notebook

SARATOGA DAILY NOTEBOOK

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007

by John Mucciolo

My old man once told me not to dismiss $1 million two-year-old purchases

shipping in from the West Coast for a future Hall of Fame trainer. Once again,

my father's advice paid off, as Gaines, Gentry and Sikura's MORE HAPPY

(Vindication) led soon after the start and was never headed in taking the

$150,000 Adirondack S. (G2) on Wednesday. The Bob Baffert trainee, coming off a

game win at Del Mar last month, established splits of :21 4/5, :44 4/5 and 1:10

for the opening six panels, prior to getting 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17 2/5. The final

margin was a comfortable three-quarters of a length under Rafael Bejarano.

The race changed complete complexion when close second-choice Phantom Income

(Montbrook) missed the break and was declared a non-starter. She was still being

held by a member of the gate crew and reared when the gates opened. This is the

third time it has happened this meet. Without

the potential early leader, More Happy, who is an enormously talented filly, had

no early opposition and the race was basically over by the opening quarter.

A to the Croft (Menifee) angled six-wide entering the stretch and did well to

cut into the final margin in her second career effort. The Ken McPeek-conditioned filly could appreciate a bit more ground and is one to keep

an eye on, although we're not convinced she can top the winner at this stage.

Passion (Came Home) ran in spots and appeared to find her best gear inside the

final sixteenth pole, good enough to earn the Grade 2-placing for Todd Pletcher.

The dominant maiden winner could be a serious horse for the rest of the year

when she overcomes her inexperience.

Nine races took place on Wednesday; four turf routes and

four dirt sprints, while a turf dash started the day. The dirt surface saw one winner

in wire-to-wire fashion, one pace presser and two animals winning from off the

early tempo. Although no bias is readily apparent, it appears nearly

impossible to win by a big margin at this venue. The grass course saw all

winners giving their best energy in the latter stages, and it has been quite

difficult to lead from start to finish over this green.

Cornelio Velasquez added a pair of winners on the card to expand his total to

22, four more than Kent Desormeaux, and a handful better than Edgar Prado, John

Velazquez and Garrett Gomez.

Godolphin Stable and conditioner Saeed bin Suroor enjoyed a superb day on

Wednesday, teaming up for a trio of winners from as many starters. In the

trainers' race, Bill Mott owns a solid advantage with 13, four clear of Todd

Pletcher. Richard Dutrow comes next with nine, followed by Tom Bush with eight

and Gary Contessa, who saddled two first placer finishers today, with seven.

Horses to Watch

1ST -- The mighty Godolphin outfit rarely ships horses to the United States to prep

for future events, and the impressive ASTRONOMIA (NZ) (King's Best) looks like

she could be a useful earner in the months to come. The Suroor trainee, who has

the look of a router-turned-sprinter, settled well off the lead early before

unleashing her strong late kick, dusting her rivals going away.

4TH -- PAINT (Include) didn't break any records for 5 1/2 furlongs, but the Nick Zito charge looked awesome when leveling off in the lane. The expensive

two-year-old purchase surely wants longer and could have the Breeders' Cup

Juvenile (G1) as a goal.

Tomorrow's Outlook -- Thursday, August 16

Seven flashy freshmen are entered in the $150,000 Saratoga Special S. (G2) as

the Thursday feature. KODIAK KOWBOY (Posse) is listed as the 5-2 second choice

off the strength of his 2 3/4-length win in the Bashford Manor S. (G3) at

Churchill Downs most recently. The Steve Asmussen pupil was won three straight

by open lengths and will be guided by Shaun Bridgmohan, the fourth consecutive

time he'll have a new pilot.

SARGENT SEATTLE (Vindication) will try to give his sire a sweep of the

juvenile stakes this week for trainer Stanley Hough. The ever-impressive debut

romper has posted two strong drills, including a half-mile in :47 2/5, in

advance of his stakes debut. THE ROUNDHOUSE (Fusaichi Pegasus) was a

hard-charging third in the Sanford S. (G2) and will be a big threat if the speed

backs up in the lane. The Bill Mott-trained RILEY TUCKER (Harlan's Holiday) won

by six in his debut at Belmont and could be any type. The colt's conditioner

likely has a special place in his heart for the dark bay, considering that the

juvenile has been named in honor of his son.

Debut winners BETATRON (Tale of the Cat) and MAKE THE POINT (Menifee), as

well as Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard winner LITTLE NICK (Tiger Ridge), complete

the group.

Thursday's Best Plays

6TH - MISS STONESTREET (Forestry) is bred to run early and hails from a barn

that is strong with debuting juveniles. The chestnut filly has trained well and

gets the services of Garrett Gomez, who could be considered as this outfit's

go-to rider.

8TH - Betatron looked very impressive from a visual standpoint and could

surely factor with these if the juvenile shows minor improvement. Trainer Dallas

Stewart has been live at the meet with his babies, and the precocious bay has been training well

since arriving in the Empire State. I consider him a must use in the exotics.

9TH - BUCKEYE WONDER (Silver Hawk) is more of a sentimental pick as the

gelding is a full brother to one of my all-time favorite animals, multiple Grade

1-winning miss Wonder Again. The Jonathon Sheppard charge had no pace to run at from an

impossible post in his latest and finds a much easier field in here. Mario Pino,

who has experienced winning aboard this one, takes the call.

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