Saratoga Daily Notebook

SARATOGA DAILY

NOTEBOOK

AUGUST 2, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Due to intense heat and humidity, racing at Saratoga was canceled

on Wednesday.

In a Wednesday morning meeting comprised of NYRA Chairman Steve

Duncker, NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward, track stewards, the

track superintendent and veterinarian, along with trainers and

jockeys, the sentiment was that it would probably be in the best

interest of all concerned to call off the Wednesday program.

William Nader, NYRA's senior vice president, stated, "Racing will

resume tomorrow and Friday's card will be expanded to a 10-race

program."

Both stakes on Wednesday's card have been rescheduled. The Ashado

S. will be held on Friday, and the Cab Calloway S. on Sunday.

Outlook for Thursday, August 3

The forecast for Thursday calls for party cloudy skies with a

projected high around 89.

Thursday's feature is the Statue of Liberty S. division of the

New York Stallion S. for three-year-old New York-bred fillies at 1

1/16 miles over the Inner Turf course. The race has drawn a field of

14, including an also-eligible and a main-track only runner.

ARTISTIC EXPRESS (Western Expression) has been installed as the

5-2 morning line favorite in the Statue of Liberty on the basis of

an ultra-impressive victory in her turf debut at Belmont Park on

June 29. The Chester and Mary Broman homebred demolished an

overmatched field of early-level allowance runners that day to win

by 7 3/4 expanding lengths. She has failed to win beyond seven

furlongs on two different occasions on the main track in her career,

but it could be a brand new ballgame on grass.

NO REASON (Precise End) is the 122 lb. highweight in the field

under the allowance conditions of the race. She failed miserably in

her initial turf effort, albeit with an excuse in a tough Grade 3

stakes contest. No Reason obviously takes a substantial class drop

today, but still must prove that she can handle the lawn. MY

INTERPRETATION (Freud) was a creditable second returning from a

lengthy layoff in June, a race she most likely needed. She broke her

maiden at Saratoga last summer switching to the grass, and appears

well spotted here.

PEG'S PRAYER (Rodeo) is hoping to rebound from a disappointing

sixth-place finish as the 6-5 favorite in her most recent outing.

She suffered a wide trip trying to rally against modest fractions.

She is capable of better and gets a more livelier pace scenario.

FAIRYTALE STORY (Western Expression) faces winners for the first

time off a professional victory last month, even though she was

returning from a prolonged layoff. Her toughest obstacle stepping up

could ultimately be a disadvantageous outside post.

Thursday's Plays

8TH - My Interpretation is one of but a few runners who boasts a

grass win over a distance of ground. Furthermore, she accomplished

that task as a two-year-old at Saratoga. She has had excuses in both

of her grass starts since that winning effort, tackling much tougher

open company rivals in the Tropical Oaks at Calder Racecourse to

begin the year, and then exhibiting some rustiness when second as

she resumed her sophomore season on June 17 at Belmont Park. My

Interpretation has continued to train steadily for trainer John

Kimmel, whose barn has come alive once again in 2006. She projects

to sit a good stalking trip with Richard Migliore back on board.

9TH – TOMORROW'S NANO (Tomorrow's Cat) was a creditable second in

her career debut for trainer Stanley Hough. After settling in

midpack early on, she offered a good run to improve her position in

the stretch while racing toward the inside, ultimately securing the

place in a good "educational effort." In her second start, she will

be able to draw upon that initial experience as she departs from the

rail in this abbreviated sprint. She should sit a ground saving trip

off what seems to a be a contentious battle for the lead for jockey

Eibar Coa, who was at the controls for her debut effort, and

Tomorrow's Nano hails from a barn whose runners usually win early in

their career.

SARATOGA DAILY

NOTEBOOK

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3,

2006

by Bernard T. Moore

PEG'S PRAYER (Rodeo), who suffered through an unflattering set-up

facing preliminary allowance rivals in her most recent start, made a

successful jump into stakes competition when she delivered a

determined stretch rally to triumph in the Statue of Liberty

division of the New York Stallion S. by a diminishing neck.

The Statue of Liberty wound up unfolding perfectly for the David

Donk trainee as My Interpretation (Freud) dueled for the early lead

with Gone Goodbye (Gone for Real). My Interpretation put her pace

nemesis away shortly after entering the backstretch, obtaining a

daylight lead, with Artistic Express (Western Expression), the 2-1

favorite, inching closer to stalk the new leader. Artistic Express

moved in earnest to challenge My Interpretation around the far turn,

with Baby Gray (Precise End) improving her position toward the

outside as well. After saving ground virtually the entire way down

the backstretch, Peg's Prayer, with jockey John Velazquez aboard,

maneuvered to the outside for clear sailing around the far turn.

After turning for home, she was set down by Velazquez for the

stretch drive, and the Mike Shanley-homebred responded willingly.

It became obvious in midstretch with Artistic Express battling My

Interpretation for the lead that neither runner would get the money

today, as Peg's Prayer was now in high gear and gobbling up ground

with every stride with Baby Gray doing her best to keep pace. The

eventual winner seized command with about 70 yards remaining, and

then had to withstand a furious late rally from Follow My Dream

(Freud), who closed like a runaway train but simply ran out of

ground to just miss at odds of 58-1. Baby Gray finished with

interest to take down the show, with Artistic Express fading to

fourth. My Interpretation finished sixth as the near 3-1 second

choice in the wagering.

The main track was definitely biased toward early speed. There

did not seem to be a path bias present.

Both sprints on the Mellon turf course were won by front-running

winners that were pressured on the lead from the start, with

THATSMORELIKEIT (Forestry) establishing a new course record in the

5TH race. The lone distance contest on the inner turf, the Statue of

Liberty, was won from well off the pace.

Horses to Watch

2ND - SEASIDE AFFAIR (Sea of Secrets) was hard used to dictate a

quick and pressured pace off the layoff while breaking from an

inside post in her first start for trainer Bobby Frankel. Continued

to battle gamely on the lead while pinned down along the inside,

giving up the place in the final yards to a deep closer. Should have

derived beneficial conditioning/experience from this effort.

4TH - HOLY KRYPTONITE (Holy Bull) appeared to regress in a big

way at "The Spa" off her second-place finish at Belmont Park on July

20. While racing near the back of the pack, she failed to exhibit

the slightest bit of tactical speed while having to be pushed along.

Failed to make an impact in a very dull effort and will probably

need time to regroup off this race. Her best trip might be over a

middle distance of ground.

Outlook for Friday, August 4

The weather forecast calls for clear skies with highs ONLY in the

80s on Friday. Don't forget to bring your sweater!

Due to the cancellation of Wednesday's card because of oppressive

heat and humidity, the Ashado S. was postponed until today.

However, the day's feature race is the Honorable Miss H. (G2) at

six furlongs for fillies and mares three-years-old and up. The

highweight in the field at 118 pounds is MALIBU MINT (Malibu Moon),

fresh off a daylight win in the Princess Rooney H. (G1) at Calder on

July 15. She recorded a lifetime-best BRIS Speed rating that day to

win by 3 3/4 decisive lengths, and is a regression candidate

shipping into Saratoga. Josué Arce will make the trip from Kentucky

for the ride.

It seems as though no feature race at Saratoga is complete

without the combination of trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John

Velazquez. Their entry in the Honorable Miss will be EVER ELUSIVE

(Forestry), who was a strong second in the Lazer Show H. on July 4

at Churchill Downs. Six furlongs is definitely her best distance and

she will be equipped with blinkers today while taking on a

vulnerable Malibu Mint.

GRECIAN LOVER (Friendly Lover), who relished the turnback to a

sprint on July 13 sans blinkers, steps back up into graded stakes

competition and should be closing late. MISS ELSIE (Golden Gear)

vans up from Delaware Park for the dangerous barn of Larry Jones.

Her winning efforts of late have come against softer rivals, but she

must be respected on the basis of her connections. Mario Pino will

be in for the ride. REUNITED (Dixie Union) and STORMY KISS (Arg)

(Bernstein) complete the field.

As previously mentioned, the Ashado S., was originally scheduled

to be run on Wednesday. On paper, the race appears to boil down to

SUMMERLY (Summer Squall), IN THE GOLD (Golden Missile) and YOLANDA

B. TOO (Two Punch), but not necessarily in that order.

Summerly will make her belated four-year-old debut for trainer

Scott Blasi, who is filling in for a suspended Steve Asmussen. She

makes her return from an injury, and has been firing on all

cylinders in the morning for her comeback effort. Last year's

Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner has demonstrated that she can win off a

layoff. Stable rider Shaun Bridgmohan gets the call.

In The Gold has run well at Saratoga in the past, and seems to

have come alive of late in the morning hours for trainer Nick Zito.

The four-year-old filly has been well traveled in 2006, and might

just awaken from her slumber, having only to walk from her stall to

the racetrack. She attracts jockey Edgar Prado.

Yolanda B. Too has done nothing wrong of late, winning both of

her starts this year off the shelf at Belmont Park. She has yet to

win beyond 1 1/16 miles, and has never beaten this level of

competition. This might just be her best chance yet to prove she

belongs with this level while running over a track where she is two

for two. Garrett Gomez, who has been as hot as the weather of late,

climbs aboard.

Friday's Plays

1ST - SABRE BABY (Kissin Kris) continues to be a model of

consistency for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. He boasts a fine

pace-pressing victory in his most recent effort at Belmont Park,

eventually edging away in deep stretch to win by a length. He

possesses multiple running styles, which should enable him to adapt

as the race unfolds. Regardless, the bay should enjoy a

ground-saving trip departing from the rail. Sabre Baby runs

exceptionally well off brief rests, and responds nicely to jockey

Cornelio Velasquez. He has worked twice since his last race and won

over this course last year.

10TH - BACHELORNUMBERONE (Western Expression) has run creditably

in both starts off the layoff while switching back to the turf. He

was caught in traffic attempting to improve his position in his most

recent race. Bachelornumberone did well to finish fourth that day

after exhibiting improved speed to sit within striking distance of

much faster fractions. He catches a rather weak field of state-bred

maidens cutting back in distance to 1 1/16 miles and draws a good

inside post. He can run well fresh and gets weight off reuniting

with five-pound apprentice rider Julien Leparoux, who is at his

absolute best on grass over a distance of ground.

SARATOGA DAILY

NOTEBOOK

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4,

2006

by Bernard T. Moore

As I settled in for another day of racing, the sun shone brightly

over Saratoga Racecourse. However, to my surprise, all four

scheduled turf races had been switched to the main track, as heavy

rains had already saturated both turf courses, which led to a

boatload of scratches. Nevertheless, there were three stakes

contests to be decided, which still meant a good day of racing.

The front bandages that adorned the front legs of SUMMERLY

(Summer Squall) for the Ashado S. certainly raised a few questions.

Were they in place merely as a protective measure because of the wet

track, or were they a necessary part of her equipment now to prevent

a recurrence of an injury to the leg which sidelined her for more

than a year? Also, which Summerly would we see off the layoff today?

The answers to those questions came shortly after the gates

opened as Summerly broke in full stride to grab the early lead. She

was nursed along on the front end by jockey Shaun Bridgmohan,

dictating rather modest fractions as she received only token

pressure from Yolanda B. Too (Two Punch). Those two runners led the

field into the far turn, with In The Gold (Golden Missile) improving

her position toward the inside. Summerly and Yolanda B. Too began

distancing themselves from the competition upon entering the

stretch, as In The Gold could not sustain her rally. Summerly

spurted away to a daylight lead nearing midstretch, and it appeared

as if she would draw off to win by herself. However, Yolanda B. Too

would not throw in the towel, making one last attempt to overtake

Summerly. Try as she did, Yolanda B. Too's last-ditch effort fell

short, as she lost by just a length while settling for second money.

In The Gold barely held on to finish third by a neck over Classy

Charm (Silver Charm). Dance Fee (Menifee) showed early speed before

dropping back to finish last.

CHEROKEE JEWEL (Cherokee Run) parlayed a perfect come from behind

trip while rating off a torrid speed duel to annex the Capote Belle

S. by 2 1/4 lengths.

Gleaming Elegance (High Yield), Fast Deal (Grand Slam) and Coli

Bear (Formal Dinner) raced three abreast while vying for the early

lead. Khalila (Elusive Quality) raced just behind that trio of

runners, with India (Hennessy) just to her outside. As the pace

began to take its toll around far the turn, Khalila was the first to

move, joining the fray while four-wide entering the stretch, with

Cherokee Jewel saving every inch of ground along the rail. India was

widest around the turn, but it made little difference as she was

basically finished anyway. The pacesetters began their backward

descent as Cherokee Jewel and Khalila left them in their wake. Once

Cherokee Jewel leveled off past midstretch, she commenced to draw

away from Khalila and was in hand late. Khalila held well to be a

clear second, with Coli Bear tiring to finish third. Baby Bird (Cape

Town) broke a bit awkwardly from the gate and then started pulling

herself back between runners to drop well off the pace. She closed

belatedly to finish fourth in a non-threatening effort. India, the

2-1 favorite, put forth another disappointing effort to check in

fifth.

In the Capote Belle, the speed backed up and the closers took

over in the stretch. It was a different story in the Honorable Miss

S. in the next race, however, as STORMY KISS (Arg) (Bernstein) broke

on top to set the pace, and then refused to relinquish the lead in

the stretch, winning by a desperate neck.

Stormy Kiss rated kindly on the lead under jockey Javier

Castellano, with Miss Elsie (Golden Gear) pressing her just to her

outside. Ever Elusive (Forestry) took up a position three-wide off

the pace, with Grecian Lover (Friendly Lover) enjoying a ground

saving trip. Not much changed around the far turn and into the top

of the stretch, with Stormy Kiss still showing the way. The

Argentinean-bred four-year-old held grimly as Miss Elsie continued

to challenge for the lead, with Grecian Lover finishing with

interest toward the inside. However, the main danger would come in

the form of Malibu Mint (Malibu Moon), who was finishing widest and

best of all. The Kentucky shipper lost all position down the

backstretch when allowed to drop back under Josue Arce. He had no

choice but to rally wide on the turn while losing valuable ground.

The Princess Rooney H. (G1) winner remained wide in the stretch but

was undeterred as she closed ground steadily in deep stretch to just

miss in a heartbreaking effort, a race where she was probably best.

Miss Elsie got the show with Grecian Lover finishing fourth. Ever

Elusive tired to finish fifth. Reunited (Dixie Union), went into the

air at the start and then was pinched back between runners. She

never really got untracked and finished last.

The main track appeared to play uniformly all day. There was no

discernible path bias.

Horses to Watch

1ST - SABRE BABY (Kissin Kris).  It's hard to fathom why Dutrow

elected to run this horse instead of scratch him when this race came

off the turf. He was hard used setting a pestered pace along the

rail when hounded by a more accomplished dirt rival. He tired slowly

in the stretch to finish fourth. I anticipate a switch back to the

grass for future efforts.

4TH - HUNTER'S TALE (Jade Hunter) turned in a good second-place

finish switching to Saratoga. Stalked the wire-to-wire winner racing

three wide to the far turn, and continued on well in the stretch in

a race that finished up strongly late. This improved effort hints

that he might finally be sitting on a win off the Leah Gyarmati

re-claim.

Outlook for Saturday, August 5

Clear skies are predicted on Saturday with a high around 84.

FLOWER ALLEY (Distorted Humor) takes what his connections hope

will be another forward step on his journey to the Breeders' Cup

Classic (G1) this fall at Churchill Downs. He tackles eight rivals

in the Whitney H. (G1) today, as the 120 pound co-highweight in the

field. Flower Alley handled cream puff competition without much

difficulty in his 2006 debut effort in the Salvator Mile (G3) at

Monmouth Park on June 24. It was his initial victory against older

runners, although he did give Saint Liam all he could handle and

more in the Breeders' Cup last year at Belmont Park.

"I think he'll run very well in the Whitney and he should have

room to improve off it being only his second start of the year,"

Pletcher said. "He loves this track. That certainly doesn't hurt our

feeling." After digesting the preceding statements by Todd Pletcher

who conditions Flower Alley, I am left with the opinion that the

Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) is probably his main objective with his

star, and anything else is gravy. In all likelihood, Pletcher will

not "tighten the screws" so to speak on Flower Alley until they

reach Churchill Downs in the fall, with every race serving as a

stepping stone to attain their ultimate goal. John Velazquez will be

aboard the likely favorite.

INVASOR (Arg) (Candy Stripes) also must tote 120 pounds in the

Whitney. He is unbeaten in both of his North American starts for

trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, and possesses a recency and what I

believe to be a fitness edge over Flower Alley. He draws a good

inside post with the up and coming Fernando Jara in the irons.

WANDERIN BOY (Seeking the Gold) appears to be the likely front

runner, and is a wire-to-wire threat if he is left alone on the

lead. He was a good second to Invasor at Pimlico and could be the

spoiler for trainer Nick Zito.

SIPHON CITY (Siphon [Brz]), a reformed claimer, has come to hand

of late for trainer Dan Hurtak. Hurtak has cherry-picked the races

for this four-year-old thus far, and chestnut comes off a huge BRIS

Speed rating improvement in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Breeders'

Cup H. (G2). He takes the acid test for class today stepping up into

a Grade 1 event.

WEST VIRGINIA (Tomorrows Cat), a stablemate of Flower Alley,

finished third in the Stephen Foster H. (G1) at Churchill Downs in

his most recent start. He has run well at this level in the past,

but has not been able to take down the top prize.

SUN KING (Charismatic) came within a head of defeating Silver

Train (Old Trieste), a runner that simply worships Belmont Park, in

the Metropolitan H. (G1) in May. Nevertheless, I think his best game

is around one turn, and he also must overcome a tough outside post

at nine furlongs.

WE CAN SEEK (Chi) (Seeker's Reward), PREMIUM TAP (Pleasant Tap)

and SURVIVALIST (Danzig) comprise the rest of the Whitney field.

Also on the Saturday card is the Test S. (G1) for three-year-old

fillies at seven furlongs.

Those handicappers who relish a full field of runners will enjoy

dissecting the Test, as there does not to appear to be any standouts

in this year's contest.

HELLO LIBERTY (Forest Camp) is sure to attract wagering support

off a strong second-place finish to Bushfire (Louis Quatorze) in the

Acorn S. (G1). She is two-for-two at seven furlongs, can win off a

layoff and does not have to carry her racetrack with her. Mario

Pino, who rides the bulk of the Larry Jones-trained runners at

Delaware Park, has the mount.

WILD GAMS (Forest Wildcat) is parked outside in post position 13,

but might be able to overcome that tough draw regardless. She was a

sharp second in the Prioress Breeders' Cup S. (G1) on July 8,

settling farther off the pace than usual. She finished with good

energy to just miss in that race and the extra furlong appears to be

well within reach.

SWAP FLIPAROO (Exchange Rate), trained by "The Giant Killer,"

Allen Jerkens, ran well to finish second versus older rivals in her

most recent effort. She must be afforded a chance based upon her

connections and the possibility that the race might fall apart late.

Anyone who witnessed the Amsterdam S. (G2) on Monday knows exactly

what I'm alluding to.

Trainer Patrick Biancone has entered two runners in the Test, but

only one will make it into the starting gate as stable rider Julien

Leparoux is named on both horses. WILD FIT (Wild Wonder) was sold

for $3 million following the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)

last year, but has yet to win for her new connections. However, she

is undefeated sprinting and will be flying late if a meltdown occurs

on the front end. SABATINI (Five Star Day) is less accomplished than

her barnmate, and she too appears better suited to one turn.

Sabatini would also benefit from a spirited battled for the lead.

Saturday's Plays

4TH - VIG (Gone West) failed miserably in both starts over the

main track as a two-year-old, and trainer Todd Pletcher wisely

elected to regroup with him. When Vig resurfaced as a three-year-old

in 2006, it was on the grass at Churchill Downs. He showed a

dramatic reversal in form that day, making a strong middle move into

a fast pace to be within striking distance of the leaders around the

far turn. He continued to finish with interest in the stretch to get

the place in a much improved effort. Vig has been given a brief

freshening since, and will be equipped with blinkers for his second

start off the layoff. An eye-catching four-furlong bullet work on

July 27 is indicative of his current level of sharpness.

9TH - Invasor appears as though he might be capable of taking the

measure of Flower Alley in the Whitney today. The Argentine-bred

runner looked the part of a winner practically every step of the way

in the Suburban H. (G1) at Belmont Park on July 1. The four-year-old

sat a perfect stalking trip prior to seizing command under modest

encouragement in the stretch. He subsequently drew clear on cue to

win by 4 1/4 expanding lengths in an impressive showing. Benefiting

from the post position draw, Invasor is likely to enjoy another good

trip off what is expected to be a livelier pace scenario on the

front end turning back in distance to nine furlongs. The only defeat

in his eight-race career occurred in Dubai, and he seems to have

fully recovered from that atypical performance. Invasor shows a

useful "get acquainted," speed-sharpening prep breeze over the

Saratoga main track last week, and once again has jockey Fernando

Jara in the saddle, who has done well with limited opportunities at

"The Spa" this meet.

SARATOGA DAILY

NOTEBOOK

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5,

2006

by Bernard T. Moore

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Eibar Coa, who rode the rail around the far turn and into the

stretch to victory with Cherokee Jewel (Cherokee Run) in the Capote

Belle S. on Friday, employed the same tactics today with SWAP

FLIPAROO (Exchange Rate) in the Test S. (G1). It worked to

perfection once again as the duo swept past a beleaguered Original

Spin (Distorted Humor) in deep stretch to win going away in hand by

two lengths.

Original Spin gained the advantage in the opening furlong of the

Test, and maintained that lead as Any Limit (Limit Out) and Misty

Rosette (Stormin Fever) moved closer to challenge her around the far

turn. Both runners continued their pursuit of the front runner into

the stretch, but they were unable to make any impact on Original

Spin, as she managed to hold both of them at bay. The same could not

be said for Swap Fliparoo, who sustained her rally after finding

ample room along the rail. The eventual winner continued to reduce

her deficit with every stride, as Original Spin had no gas left in

the tank to withstand her late rally. Swap Fliparoo went on to draw

clear in deep stretch, with Original Spin holding on for the place.

Misty Rosette struggled home to finish third, saving the show over

Capote's Crown (Capote).

There were multiple trouble lines to be found in the Test, but

probably the most obvious and severe pertained to Win McCool

(Giant's Causeway), who was bumped and crowded at the break. She

failed to exhibit her usual early foot and was never a serious

threat, finishing seventh.

More drama was yet to unfold as the Whitney H. (G1) was up next.

The race boiled down to Flower Alley (Distorted Humor) and INVASOR

(Arg) (Candy Stripes), at least on paper.

Siphon City (Siphon [Brz]) was immediately sent to the lead in

the Whitney and was stalked by Wanderin Boy (Seeking the Gold), with

Premium Tap (Pleasant Tap) and Flower Alley racing within striking

distance of the top pair. Invasor began to improve his position

between rivals down the backstretch, with Sun King (Charismatic)

saving ground in the second flight of runners. Not much changed

approaching the far turn, but as the field began to make their way

into the stretch, Wanderin Boy went after Siphon City in earnest,

with both Invasor and Flower Alley being asked for more run as well.

Invasor went on to gain a tenuous lead in midstretch as Siphon City

dropped back, and Flower Alley could not sustain his rally.

Sun King, who had been angled off the inside, was now coming down

the middle of the track as he set sail for the new leader. Sun King

drew alongside Invasor and they battled gamely to the wire, with the

Argentine-bred Invasor prevailing by a slim nose in a gritty effort.

Sun King was second best once again, acquitting himself quite well

in defeat while losing a heartbreaker. West Virginia (Tomorrows Cat)

closed from last place to dispense a belated rally in the stretch to

get the show. We Can Seek (Chi) (Seeker's Reward) made up ground in

the stretch to finish fourth at odds of 76-1. Premium Tap got fifth,

with Wanderin Boy outlasting Flower Alley for sixth. Siphon City

came next with Survivalist (Danzig) checking in last.

The main track played evenly in sprints and in the lone route

contest as well. There was no apparent path bias. Both grass courses

failed to exhibit any distinguishable trends.

Horses to Watch

4TH - WATCHTOWER (Ire) (Dubai Millennium) finished a useful third

here off the layoff in his initial attempt around two turns. Bobbled

a bit shortly after the start, and was then forced to steady behind

runners while racing toward the inside down the backstretch. He was

guided to the outside for clear sailing and drew abreast with the

leaders around the far turn. He continued to vie for the lead into

the stretch, but lacked the necessary response late. Should have

gained beneficial experience/conditioning from this effort.

8TH - Win McCool was virtually eliminated at the start when

victimized by a bumping incident. She was then forced to take up

between rivals, and never really got into stride, failing to exhibit

her fine early foot. This race is basically a throw-out, as she is

obviously capable of much better. Look for her to reunite with

Richard Migliore in her next start.

Outlook for Sunday, August 6

Clear skies are expected with a high of 86 on Sunday.

ARTIE SCHILLER (El Prado [Ire]), who has disappointed at 1-2 odds

in both of his starts in 2006, gets a chance at redemption as the

122-pound highweight in the Fourstardave H. (G2). The Breeders' Cup

Mile (G1) hero concedes weight to his four rivals, encountering a

rather weak field for a Grade 2 contest. The James Jerkens-trained

runner, who is unbeaten in two starts at Saratoga, looks to get back

on the winning track returning from a layoff.

Artie Schiller certainly possesses a tactical advantage over his

main rivals, and a recent eye-popping five-furlong bullet work over

the Saratoga training turf course signals that he is ready for a top

effort. He will once again enjoy the services of Garrett Gomez.

Looking to upend the even-money morning line favorite is

REMARKABLE NEWS (Ven) (Chayim), who has never finished out of the

money in eight career starts. The four-year-old colt reverted back

to rating tactics in the Poker H. (G3) at Belmont Park on July 2,

and finished a creditable second. Remarkable News has also trained

exceptionally well of late and excels at today's 1 1/16-mile

distance. His fine tactical speed should serve him well drawing an

inside post with regular pilot Javier Castellano aboard.

ASHKAL WAY (Ire) (Ashkalani) loses his usual New York rider,

Garrett Gomez, to Artie Schiller, but picks up Mike Luzzi. Although

he sports a perfect record since coming to the United States, Ashkal

Way will definitely have to kick it up a notch if he is to keep that

streak alive in the Fourstardave.

Any horse that trainer Bobby Frankel sends out deserves a long

look. DIAMOND GREEN (Fr) (Green Desert) boasts only an advanced

level allowance/optional claiming victory since coming under

Frankel's tutelage, but he acquitted himself quite well in defeat in

his most recent effort, the King Edward Breeders' Cup S. (Can-G2) at

Woodbine. Drawing the rail, in addition to a cutback in distance,

should definitely help his cause.

NOBLE CAUSEWAY (Giant's Causeway) has failed to realize the

potential he exhibited as a three-year-old for trainer Nick Zito. He

was off the board in his lone turf start as Zito attempts to jump

start his career by returning him to the grass and removing his

blinkers. Eibar Coa rides.

Sunday's Plays

6TH - WINLOC'S HAIL MARY (Capote) relished the return to the turf

off a layoff at Belmont Park on June 16. She exhibited improved

speed over her preferred surface to track the early pace, and

subsequently seized the lead in the stretch to win by three

convincing lengths. She is well spotted tackling winners at one mile

while drawing the coveted rail. Winloc's Hail Mary should sit

another good trip from just off the pace, and has demonstrated that

she can fire her best shot when fresh.

8TH – RUNNING DOG (A. P. Jet) took to the grass on May 3 like a

duck takes to water while facing winners for the first time in his

career. Despite being difficult to rate stretching out to nine

furlongs that day, he eventually settled down before making a solid

stretch run and eventually edged clear to a 1 1/4-length victory. He

was a good second stepping up into stakes competition and switching

back to the main track on June 4. His connections have wisely

freshened him since, and probably pointed toward this race at "The

Spa" all the while. He has been extremely consistent since the hood

was removed on March 29, and appears to be at his best when fresh

for a top layoff trainer. He has fine tactical speed to sit the

right trip with jockey Mike Luzzi back on board again.

SARATOGA DAILY

NOTEBOOK

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6,

2006

by Bernard T. Moore

When Fairway Drive (Western Expression) stole away to a huge

daylight lead while carving out a fast pace in the Cab Calloway

division of the New York Stallion S.,  you just knew that the

ultimate winner would in all likelihood be a closer.

However, handicappers would have been hard pressed to land on the

eventual winner, CLASSIC PACK (Regal Classic), who boasted no prior

turf experience. Fairway Drive continued to lead the field around

the far turn, as race favorites Running Dog (A. P Jet) and Metro

Meteor (City Zip) were in close pursuit. Classic Pack, ridden by

Fernando Jara, who continues to impress in stakes events ever since

his victory in the Belmont S. (G1) in June, was able to get first

run at the leader as they turned for home. Classic Pack was able to

wrestle the lead away from Fairway Drive in upper stretch, and was

well within himself as he held his advantage to the finish, fending

off a late rally from Oedipus O'Neal (Freud) to score by three parts

of a length.

The latter split rivals in the stretch while improving his

position, and loomed a dangerous presence passing the eighth pole.

He was unable to sustain his rally when it counted most, and was

forced to settle for second money. One Goodknight (Precise End)

raced well off the pace down the backstretch, but began to reduce

his deficit around the far turn. He had to find a seam to run

through to continue his bid, and quickened once securing a clear

path while well out in the middle of the course. However, he lugged

in repeatedly during the stretch run while severely hampering the

efforts of his jockey, Garrett Gomez, but closed well enough to get

the show, outfinishing Speaking Out (Precise End), who made up

ground in the stretch as well. Metro Meteor tired to finish sixth,

with Fairway Drive dropping back steadily once displaced on the lead

to finish eighth. Running Dog came up empty in the stretch as well,

giving way badly to finish last as the 8-5 favorite.

I wrote in yesterday's Saratoga Daily Notebook that I felt that

this was a rather weak renewal of the Fourstardave H. (G2).

Apparently, it wasn't weak enough for Artie Schiller (El Prado

[Ire]), as not only did he go down to defeat, but the Breeder's Cup

Mile (G1) hero failed to finish in the money, beaten 7 1/2 lengths

in a perplexing effort.

Take nothing away from REMARKABLE NEWS (Ven) (Chayim), who was a

deserving winner as he wired the field under jockey Javier

Castellano. Trained by Angel Penna Jr., whose forte seems to be with

grass runners, the Venezuelan-bred four-year-old was immediately

sent to the lead by Castellano, with Diamond Green (Fr) (Green

Desert) and Artie Schiller in close attendance. Ashkal Way (Ire)

(Ashkalani) settled into fourth position early, with Noble Causeway

(Giant's Causeway) the early trailer in the five-horse field.

Little changed as the field raced down the backstretch, with

everyone keeping their positions until they settled into the

stretch. As of yet, Remarkable News had not really been asked to

pick up the pace, with Diamond Green, Artie Schiller and Ashkal Way

lined up across the course under all-out drives chasing him home.

Artie Schiller was unable to match strides with Ashkal Way and

Diamond Green as he was caught in cramped quarters between rivals,

and started to drop back in upper stretch as the other two runners

carried on.

As it turns out, they gave futile chase to Remarkable News, who,

under a strong right-handed whip by Castellano, preserved his

daylight advantage and was never seriously threatened late,

triumphing by 2 1/2 lengths. Ashkal Way was 1 1/2 lengths clear of

Diamond Green, who took down the show. Artie Schiller reported home

fourth in a lackluster effort, with Noble Causeway finishing last

while failing to be a factor during any point in the race.

The main track played fairly in sprints and routes. Once again,

there was no detectable path bias. Both turf courses continue to

remain bias free.

Horses to Watch

1ST - GRYFFINDOR (Peaks and Valleys) offered a much improved

second-place finish off the layoff while cutting back in distance.

Coming back to flat racing after competing in steeplechase company

in his past couple of races, the dark bay was compromised by a loose

wire-to-wire winning favorite setting a snail-like pace in his

Saratoga return, where he has been victorious in the past. He closed

strongly to get the place, finishing his last furlong in the

neighborhood of :11 2/5 seconds, and needs a livelier pace scenario

at which to run to be at his best.

3RD - CRAFTY CAMMACK (Crafty Friend) easily demolished a good

field of $50,000 claimers switching to Saratoga. He stalked the

early pace and then drew clear in an impressive fashion. The

chestnut can win right back at the same level, or could possibly

handle a slight rise in class. He will make his next start for new

connections off the claim.

7TH - SONG FOR THE BEST (Unbridled's Song) regressed in a huge

way off a triple-digit BRIS Speed figure in his career debut at

Delaware Park. Jockey Rafael Bejarano had to tap on the brakes

toward the inside when outrun for the early lead down the

backstretch. Song for the Best did not appear to relish the role of

a chaser, and came up flat in the stretch, lacking the necessary

response when called upon. He is definitely much better than he

showed in this disappointing effort as the 6-5 favorite.

Outlook for Monday, August 7

Thunderstorms are in the forecast with an anticipated high of 86.

Saratoga draws the curtain on the second full week of its meet on

Monday, carding the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame S. (G2)

at nine furlongs over the Inner Turf course as its feature race.

It's difficult to go against an unbeaten horse such as AFTER

MARKET (Storm Cat), who still flashed hints of greenness in his

victory in the Lexington S. (G3) last month at Belmont Park. This

Bill Mott-trained runner possesses fine tactical speed and the

ability to finish as well, a deadly combination on either turf or

dirt. A homebred runner of Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Wygod, he will be

ridden once again by jockey Cornelio Velasquez.

BRILLIANT (War Chant) has done nothing but win since being

switched to the turf by Neil Howard. The Mill House colorbearer

registered his initial stakes victory in the Jefferson Cup S. (G2)

at Churchill Downs in June, but needed an all-out stretch drive to

overhaul a stubborn pacesetter in order to get the job done. Nine

furlongs might not be his best distance, and he draws an outside

post off the layoff in a race lacking much in the way of early pace.

Robby Albarado gives up a day off to ride.

SPIDER POWER (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) will be saddled by

Kiaran McLaughlin, who is on a roll at Saratoga of late, saddling

another longshot winner in yesterday's 7TH race. This Irish-bred

runner was a good third in the Virginia Derby (G2) at Colonial Downs

recently, and will benefit from a cutback in distance.

What would a feature race be at Saratoga without the dynamic duo

of trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez? They join forces

with MANCHU PRINCE (Gone West), who finished just a head behind

Spider Power in the Virginia Derby.

GALANTAS (Tale of the Cat) is part of an entry with GREEN LEMON

(Lemon Drop Kid), and is a live longshot in the Hall of Fame. He

demolished a field of overmatched preliminary allowance runners in

late May at Delaware Park with the addition of blinkers, and would

be dangerous if able to duplicate that effort off a freshening.

SIR CLASSIC CHRIS (Catienus) and JADE'S REVENGE (Quiet American)

comprise the rest of the field on grass, with COTTON KING (Awesome

Again) a main-track only runner.

Monday's Plays

4TH - INDIAN CAMP (Forest Camp), a homebred runner, begins his

career for trainer Patrick Biancone, who is deadly with first-timers

as we all know. He has been extremely well prepared for his

unveiling, with a workout tab that dates back to May. Indian Camp

has worked well over the Polytrack at Turfway Park, trained with

verve at both Ellis Park and Churchill Downs, and now exhibits a get

"re-acquainted" with the gate work over the Saratoga main track this

past Saturday. He hails from a potent debut/sprint sire in Forest

Camp, and is certainly bred to leave the gate running. He should

attract generous support at the mutuel windows with stable rider

Julien Leparoux climbing aboard for Biancone.

6TH - HANDLEWOMAN (Elusive Quality) performed quite admirably on

grass, but I really feel that she is better suited to dirt. She was

a sharp second to a repeat winner in her Churchill Downs finale, a

swiftly run abbreviated sprint in which she held her position in the

final furlong. Handlewoman will definitely benefit from her

five-week freshening, and has adapted nicely to her new surroundings

with two maintenance type workouts since shipping into Saratoga. She

draws a better post today, and appears to have a tactical advantage

over her main rivals. Handlewoman reunites with jockey Edgar Prado,

who was aboard for her lone winning effort in her career debut this

winter at Gulfstream Park.

SARATOGA DAILY

NOTEBOOK

MONDAY, AUGUST 7,

2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey once stated: "You never want to

take away anything from a horse that he does easily."

Well, it was apparent after witnessing the National Museum of

Racing Hall of Fame S. (G2) that Cornelio Velasquez adheres to the

same belief, at least in this particular race, as he permitted AFTER

MARKET (Storm Cat) to lope along on the front end. Rather than place

a stranglehold on After Market, and risk discouraging him, Velasquez

let the Bill Mott-trained runner dictate a rather ordinary pace and

it worked to perfection. Jade's Revenge (Quiet American) shadowed

the leader while applying only mild pressure, with Brilliant (War

Chant) parked three wide down the backstretch while also stalking

the pace. Galantas (Tale of the Cat) sat behind this trio of

runners, the beneficiary of a perfect ground-saving trip.

As the field turned into the stretch, After Market began

lengthening his stride right on cue under only modest encouragement,

with Manchu Prince (Gone West) coming with a wide run, as a cavalry

charge formed behind the leader. After Market spurted away to a

daylight lead nearing midstretch, leaving the competition in his

wake, and it became apparent that the race would now be for place.

Velasquez employed a hand ride on the winner to maintain his

advantage to the wire, eventually winning by 2 1/4 lengths. Spider

Power (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) knifed his way between runners

with a belated rally in deep stretch to get the place by a nose,

outfinishing Green Lemon (Lemon Drop Kid), who had also closed with

good energy in deep stretch. Manchu Prince could not sustain his

rally, and was one-paced to the wire and was a neck farther behind,

with Brilliant a neck behind him while settling for fifth. Galantas

also could not quicken when asked, and reported home a close-up

sixth with Jade's Revenge giving way badly and finishing last.

The main track continues to remain consistent, with no apparent

biases once again. All paths seemed uniform as well, with both grass

courses playing evenly to close out the week.

Horses to Watch

1ST - ATOURATOURA (Tour d'Or) had a solid third-place finish

stepping up in claiming price off the claim. Had to wait for room

when caught in behind runners around the far turn. Offered a good

rally in stretch upon securing racing room. It does not appear that

six furlongs is his best distance.

6TH - TRUART (Yes It's True) provided a useful effort in her

return off a year-plus layoff. Dueled for the lead through fast

fractions with the eventual winner and held well to early stretch in

a race she obviously needed. This stakes-placed runner should have

received beneficial conditioning from this race.

Outlook for Wednesday, August 9

The advanced forecast for Wednesday is for clear skies with a

high around 77.

An overflow field of twelve runners, including two also

eligibles, have been entered for the De La Rose S. to be run on the

inner turf course at a mile.

ASI SIEMPRE (El Prado [Ire]) is expected to attract substantial

wagering support because of her connections, and the fact that she

has been overmatched in her recent starts at Belmont Park, both of

which were Grade 2 marathon contests. She was a fine second off the

shelf in the Jenny Wiley (G2) at Keeneland to begin her

four-year-old season in April, but has not quite lived up to

expectations in subsequent starts, and should definitely benefit

from some much needed class relief while cutting back in distance.

Asi Siempre shows a speed sharpening bullet work this past Sunday,

and will reunite with jockey Julien Leparoux on the class drop.

VIRDEN (Tactical Cat) was a punctual favorite returning from more

than a year layoff in June at Churchill Downs for trainer Bobby

Frankel. She annexed the Senorita S. (G3) at Hollywood Park in 2005,

and is well spotted in her Saratoga debut. She is expected to be a

forward factor departing from the rail. Rafael Bejarano rides.

MY LORDSHIP (Lord Avie) was a determined winner in the Miss

Liberty S. on June 19 for Mott. She was a tough-luck second in the

De La Rose last year and is saddled with a disadvantageous outside

post. Her last four victories have come with Velasquez at the

controls.

STORMINA (Gulch), from the Todd Pletcher barn, shipped into

Mountaineer Park and annexed the Firecracker S. in her most recent

start. She hails from a top barn and that, in addition to her fine

tactical speed, makes her dangerous with a top effort under John

Velazquez.

CONNIE BELLE (Storm Cat), is the other half of an uncoupled entry

from the Mott barn. She received a beneficial prep race under her

belt for this contest, winning an advanced allowance race at

Monmouth Park off a prolonged layoff. She was a close-up fourth in

the Lake George S. (G3) at Saratoga last year and is two-for-two at

one mile. Fernando Jara gets the mount.

The most interesting runner in the De La Rose might never get a

chance to lift a hoof. SKY HIGH FLYER (GB) (Anabaa) is stuck on the

also-eligible list and would need to scratch into the body of the

race. She endured a brutal trip in the Mint Julep H. (G3) at

Churchill Downs in her last start, and delivered a creditable

fourth-place effort all things considered. She has wisely been given

time to recoup from that effort, and can fire her best shot when

fresh.

Wednesday's Plays

1ST - TEXAS BREEZE (Artax) is a Delaware Park shipper who appears

to be the controlling speed for trainer Pletcher and Velazquez in

today's opener. In her first start against winners on July 3, Texas

Breeze was out-sprinted for the lead, but still persevered, chasing

the wire-to-wire winner throughout while holding on gamely for the

place. She exhibits two maintenance-type works in the interim for a

trainer that excels with runners off short layoffs.

3RD - OLD FORESTER's (Forestry) lone victory in 2006 came in a

race similar to today's contest this spring at Gulfstream Park,

coincidentally with jockey Edgar Prado aboard. In his most recent

effort, a stakes contest at the Meadowlands, Old Forester made a

premature move around the far turn to reach contention, then

continued on well in the stretch to just miss by a head. Old

Forester's late run must be timed to perfection, and he gets a huge

rider switch reuniting with Prado.