JC / Railbird

A. P. Smithwick Stakes

Odds and Ends

Mr. Hot Stuff, cover gelding (PDF). The lazy looker won the A. P. Smithwick at Saratoga on Thursday. “He’s taken to the jumps because he doesn’t have to work that hard,” said trainer Jack Fisher of Colonel John’s brother, who never showed a similar flair for the flat. “Seriously. It’s not as tough; he’s not going down there in :23. It’s just a nice easy gallop for him. Sometimes, doing this, if it’s easy enough, they’ll try again. He’s a beautiful horse.”

The Isadorable Stakes for Massachusetts-breds is Saturday’s feature race at Suffolk Downs. Lynne Snierson has the preview. Southoftheborder, now 10, returns to defend her title; Tammi Piermarini is on Navy Nurse, making her second start of the year and coming off an allowance win on July 15. Even though seeing her atop the standings has become the norm, it’s still hard not to be a little awed by Piermarini’s stats — she’s won 44 races through the meet’s first eight weeks, 19 more than the second leading rider by wins, Gary Wales. She’s up almost $200,000 over the second by earnings, Jackie Davis.

Promo: Breeders’ Cup Fantasy ‘Capping begins with the Whitney Handicap at Saratoga on Saturday. Beat Ray. Join Pete. Or create your own league and play against your friends. Free past performances from the Daily Racing Form and horse bios by Hello Race Fans will help you make your picks.